Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method (HK-BEAM) was introduced to Hong Kong in 1996 and is an environmental performance based assessment scheme purpose designed for high rise buildings in Hong Kong. This scheme is completely voluntary and is owned by the HK-BEAM Society, a non-profit making organisation consisting of industry professionals. The latest HK-BEAM standards (Version 4/04 and Version 5/04) covers all "New" and "Existing" building types, including office, residential, mall, hotel, school, hospital, institutional and mixed complexes - centrally air-conditioned, naturally ventilated or mixed mode. The HK-BEAM assessment embraces a range of good practices into a pool of criteria using a life cycle approach. The comprehensive assessment framework encompasses exemplary environmental practices in planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and management. However, more emphasis has now been placed on the wider attributes of a sustainable building, particularly safety, hygiene, security, amenity and overall quality. This approach encourages buildings that fulfil their intended functions whilst minimizing the resulting impacts on the environment. Finally, the scheme provides a benchmark for sustainable buildings and third party recognition to building performance excellence. This paper outlines the latest framework of HK-BEAM, including rationale on the assessment approach and criteria, and a synopsis of its achievements and benefits is also provided. Reference and correlation will be drawn to case studies of buildings which have been submitted for certification.
展开▼
