Page 15 - Hong Kong Green School Guide

13 Hong Kong Green Building Council
1. Introduction - 1.1 Importance of Green Schools
Figure 1: Green Building Hierarchy
1.1 Importance of Green Schools
As a forum of learning for future generations, schools should provide an
environment that is conducive to learning while also promoting sustainability.
Going green is an important first step for schools to give back to the environment
and the community.
1.1.1 Green Schools Initiatives
School decision makers and school building
designers should develop a green school
in accordance with the green building
hierarchy as illustrated in Figure 1.
As the hierarchy suggests, both new
schools and existing schools should adopt
measures in the following order:
a. Climate Positive Measures
The following measures should be implemented as first priority:
b. Active Systems
Active systems with high efficiency should then be specified as
needed to supplement the above measures. Examples include:
efficient air conditioning units, low flow water taps, etc. For existing
schools, the worn-out facilities present a unique opportunity for
schools to take up green initiatives, for example upgrading lighting
systems.
c. Renewable Energy
Installing renewable energy systems should be considered from an
educational point of view rather than purely from the perspective
of energy savings. For example, some renewable energy systems
are not energy efficient because the energy used to manufacture
the system is greater than the energy it generates over its life
time.
• Enhancement of
daylight access;
• Natural ventilation
design;
• Stringent operation procedures;
• Regular maintenance; and
• Behavioural change, etc.
Climate Positive Measures
Active Systems
Renewable
Energy