The Buildings Department has taken the promotion of green buildings in Hong Kong another major step forward by providing guidelines for professionals and practitioners on the use of precast concrete construction.

The 73-page Code of Practice for Precast Concrete Construction contains recommendations and graphic illustrations on the design, construction and quality control of this environmentally friendly construction method.

Assistant Director of Buildings Cheung Kwok-ming says surveys show that precast concrete construction can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated on construction sites, reduce adverse environmental impact on sites and their neighbourhoods, and enhance quality control of concreting work.

Although precast concrete construction has been widely used in public housing, the uptake of this technique in the private sector for building developments has not been enthusiastic, he said.

In view of the environmental benefits of precast concrete construction, he said, this method of construction should be promoted in the private sector.

Refer to the Code of Practice

The Code of Practice was established following an extensive review of international standards and other published literature by a steering committee which included representatives from professional institutes, general contractors and the Housing Department.

"Professionals and practitioners can refer to the Code of Practice for good practices for both structural and non-structural precast building elements ranging from floor slabs, beams, columns and walls to facades, bay windows and balconies," Mr Cheung said.

Major areas covered by the Code of Practice include the construction of precast elements ranging from factory production, transportation and handling through to site erection.

It also covers design and durability, including water tightness of joints and quality control for both production and erection.

Although the Code of Practice is not a statutory document, compliance with the requirements of this code is deemed to satisfy the relevant provisions of the Buildings Ordinance and related requirements, Mr Cheung said.

The Code of Practice can be downloaded from the Buildings Department's website.

It may also be obtained for $32 per copy by writing to the Publications Sales Section, Information Services Department, Room 403, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong, or by calling  2537 1910 or sending a fax to 2523 7195.

Order forms can be downloaded from the Information Services Department's website. Completed order forms can be submitted by e-mail at puborder@isd.gov.hk or by fax at 2523 7195.