HK-BEAM
John Herbert | Director
HKBEAM [1] (Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method
[香港建築環境評審法])
is a voluntary, private sector initiative that quantifies environmental
performance of buildings (similar to the LEED initiative
in USA).
Successful assessments are rewarded with HKBEAM certification
(Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze) demonstrating to prospects low energy design
with a reduced environmental impact.
The primary purpose for HKBEAM, is as the driver for healthier, high quality, more durable, efficient, environmentally sustainable building, that creates a healthier living environment, whilst reducing excess and waste.
Learn more about HKBEAM and how Kelcroft can help:
- What is HKBEAM
- Why chose HKBEAM
- What is covered under HKBEAM
- What are the benefits
- What about existing buildings
- Who is using HKBEAM
- What is the next step
- What about different stages
- HKBEAM News
- Need more information
What is HKBEAM
HKBEAM provides an equitable framework for measuring, rewarding
and recognising superior building performance.
A HKBEAM project will have been designed, installed and
commissioned using best practice, having all aspects of energy
and sustainability, and waste considered.
HKBEAM is undoubtedly the leading initiative to improve environmental
performance of buildings in Hong Kong, with nearly sixty million square feet assessed and
certified. Unlike other initiatives HKBEAM certification is only completed after
the project is completed, to ensure the promised performance is achieved.
Prospective owners or tenants are assured that the best practice for
sustainable building has been employed and achieved, adding value.
HKBEAM 香港建築環境評審法 is the the Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method. Successful assessments are rewarded with HKBEAM certification (Platinum, Gold Silver or Bronze) demonstrating to prospects low energy design with a reduced environmental impact. HK-BEAM has certified more than 60 million square feet of office and residential building. Kelcroft is a member of the HKBEAM society.
Why chose HKBEAM
HKBEAM has already certified one hundred buildings, that's more than sixty million square feet, comprising residential and commercial accommodation, and exceeds every other assessment method. HKBEAM by any definition is a world leader.
What is covered under HKBEAM
HKBEAM is a complete and comprehensive standard, that provides a supporting framework covering various building types, including mixed use complexes, both new and existing.
The assessment is comprehensive and wide ranging, including design, master
planning, construction through to commissioning and operation.
Click here to
read more about the HK-BEAM outline for sustainable building (one page 16K PDF
format)
What are the benefits?
HKBEAM is no marketing trick, it is an independently assessed benchmark. For speculative commercial and residential accommodation it allows prospective tenants to compare one building with another, without marketing hype.
Certified buildings are rewarded with HKBEAM certificate, providing evidence of lower energy consumption and reduced environmental footprint.
Coupled with lower energy consumption certified buildings reduces ownership
costs (saving you money) whilst also reducing environmental pollution.
What about existing buildings?
The HKBEAM framework can be employed to certify existing building, credits are awarded for improve performance and lowering energy consumption.
Whether a new or refurbishment project, HKBEAM strategies and framework can be employed to reduce building energy costs and improve performance.
Who is using HKBEAM?
Commercial, residential, institutional and government sector projects use HKBEAM to monitor, improve and assess the environmental performance and sustainability of buildings.
Recognising that no single document can serve every building classification,
HKBEAM provides the framework for assessment of every building type, including
mixed use facilities.
What is the next step?
It is vital that your HKBEAM consultant is appointed from day one, ensuring the entire team are briefed from commencement.
Why? there are several positive benefits for implementing HKBEAM methodologies from day one.
Environmental methodologies and physical improvements (to increase credits attended) implemented after the contract documents are signed will almost certainly require contract variations and that could open the door for potential dispute.
Let's take a simple example, if the HKBEAM metering and sub metering methodology was incorporated at the planning stage;
- lower first cost - the extra cost for overtime claims, is averted
- avoids utility disconnection preventing tenant disruption
- documentation is an important element, early adoption avoids amendment
Additionally, HKBEAM actively encourages design innovation, a far simpler process before the design is submitted for approved by government agencies.
What about buildings at different stages?
I have already started construction, can my building be certified? Buildings and complexes, at all stages of procurement, whether underway, nearing completion, or newly occupied can be assessed. HKBEAM is a framework that encourages building sustainability.
HKBEAM News
24-05-05 Two significant milestones achieved. HKBEAM has 100 building projects (LEED the green building system in the USA only has 200 buildings) the the Hong Kong Housing Authority being the 100th project. And the launch of the new HKBEAM 2005 version.
29-01-05 HKBEAM 2004 has been launched. HKBEAM is the preferred assessment method for nearly sixty million square feet of certified accommodation making it the international leader assessing more accommodation than any other environmental assessment method.
22-06-04 HKBEAM commands second place in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Top 20 Tips
for Sustainable Development! Recognition that HK-Beam certification
is important for Sustainable Development is very encouraging news.
Need more information?
Kelcroft, a member of the HKBEAM society helps you build sustainably, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.
1. In 2008 HK-BEAM was renamed BEAM