Page 54 - Hong Kong Green School Guide

3. Green School Guide - 3.1 Green School Sites
Hong Kong Green School Guide 52
3.1.7 Vertical Greening Applies to NS & ES
Benefits
• Enhance biodiversity;
• Pleasant learning environment for
students;
• Reduce heat going through wall hence
reduced energy requirements for air
conditioning;
• Reduce heat island effect, i.e. reduce
the local ambient temperatures and
therefore reduce discomfort;
• Filter dust pollutants and improve local air quality;
• Noise reduction;
• Visual enjoyment;
• Reduce surface runoff to drainage system hence improve storm water
management and improve ground water discharge; and
• Potentially freeing up limited flat ground for other purposes.
Issues to Consider
a. Opportunities
• Schools can plant shrubs including flowering shrubs, ground cover and grass
(lightweight plant) on the walls of their campuses.
b. Constraints
• Structural loading of the wall;
• Space for planter;
• Additional water supply point for irrigation;
• Insufficient water pressure for irrigation;
• Drainage provision for planted areas;
• Additional safety devices, such as balustrade, railing, fall protection for
maintenance personnel; and
• Long-term and on-going maintenance commitment.
c. Solutions
• Environmental factors should be considered in designing vertical greening:
- - Position of vertical greening in the interior or exterior of the building;
- - Light intensity; and