Mr Tsang then proceeded to the top floor of Ching Yi House where he was briefed on energy saving measures and devices implemented in the block.

He was told that all housing projects are designed according to the Building Energy Codes issued by the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department. For a typical housing block about 6% of electricity consumption can be saved annually.

Mr Tsang also inspected the three-coloured recycling bins placed in the lobby of each public housing block before seeing the estate's green corner where the authority has provided 17 plots of land to tenants and nearby primary schools to promote green activities and plant fruit and vegetables.

Mr Tsang was pleased to note that through participating in the planting activities, tenants' knowledge of horticulture and their sense of belonging to the estate have been enhanced.

Top priority

"Environmental protection is on top of our priorities. The green initiatives mark our commitment to incorporate green ideas into our daily life," Mr Tsang said.

"I am happy to see that as a provider of housing for one third of the population in Hong Kong, the Housing Authority and the Housing Department have taken the lead in applying green concepts to their construction and management of public housing estates to improve the living environment of tenants."