The Housing Department will cover the rooftops of newly-built public housing estates with indigenous herbaceous plants for a greener environment.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao told legislators today that the first batch of buildings to try the design will be residential blocks on Eastern Harbour Crossing Site Phases 3 and 4, which will be completed in 2008 and 2009.

The department will evaluate their success and consider how rooftop greening can be extended to other estates. Dr Liao said green roofs save energy by creating a cooler environment.

The Architectural Services Department has worked on the initiative since 2001, and finished about 50 projects on new Government buildings, including schools, offices, hospitals, community facilities and quarters.

The Buildings Department is studying the feasibility of promoting greening projects in private developments to develop a building design guideline. The outcome of the study will help the Government determine the way forward.