Page 61 - Hong Kong Green School Guide
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3. Green School Guide - 3.2 Materials and Waste
Hong Kong Green Building Council
59
3.2 Materials and Waste
Concepts and Principles
The amount and range of materials used in the operation, maintenance and
fitting-out of buildings requires significant use of natural resources. Through
careful selection of materials and pro-active waste management, environmental
impacts can be reduced.
Building Materials with Low Environmental Impacts
for Schools
Buxton Public School in Australia
Green procurement is a major focus for Buxton Public School. Materials
with low environmental impacts are consciously selected. These materials
are primarily non-toxic in nature, more sustainably produced (than
conventional materials), recycled and/or reclaimed low-carbon materials.
Their choices of internal materials and finishes are based on the following
criteria:
• Low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and
other toxic substances to minimise off-gassing, which leads to a
healthier indoor environment;
• No Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) content to avoid the potential environmental
problems of PVC, including toxic emissions generated by the
manufacturing processes and disposal, toxic by-products produced
during burning and the use of toxic additives;
• Materials that can be recycled to minimise waste generation;
• Timber from sustainably managed plantations and avoidance of
rainforest species; and
• Materials that are durable and hence require less maintenance.
Source: EcoDesign Foundation. (n.d.). ABEC Building Case Study: Buxton Public
School. Retrieved 1 June, 2012, from
