Perception of green measures among residents of private housing estates in Hong Kong

Abstract

In recent years, undoubtedly, the public and the government are more aware of sustainable development in Hong Kong. The importance of green measures has been significantly increased in various sectors and business fields, including the local property management industry. Almost every considerable-scale developer and property management company allocates considerable resources in enhancing the operation of on-site green management and providing an environmental friendly living environment in not only newly-established residential properties, but aged estates as well. Although green measures in property management are greatly promoted by various government officials and private parties, residents nowadays still have different perceptions on environmental issues, both positive and negative. Hence, knowing the existing contradictions and concerns, it is worthwhile studying the perceptions towards green measures in property management among residents in Hong Kong, especially in the private housing sector. Ultimately, this research aims at identifying key green attributes and its rationale fora sustainable living environment, so that property management companies can utilize the data as reference and implement favorable green measures for residents. There is, unfortunately, no past study on such recent trend in residential buildings of Hong Kong or other countries. This research was conducted in forms of in-depth face-to-face interviews for qualitative data; and study of various statistics for quantitative data, focusing on the perception of owners and renters, as well as common green measures in six local private estates only. Via interviews and data analysis, it is known that the importance of green measures in property management has been increased nowadays, contributing to the sustainable development of residential buildings in Hong Kong. Green measures can surely build beautiful and comfortable living environment, as well as can save building operation costs in the long run. Moreover, eco schemes and programs allow residents to feel attached to the estates and get along with others. Contrary, some see applying green attributes in residential buildings as waste of their money and ruin of property image. They consider excellent management services instead. This research reveals critical underlying reasons of the negative perception on green measures, which are lack of promotion, relatively high initial cost, extra work or procedure required in recycling, etc. The government and, more importantly, property management companies in Hong Kong, should disclose the benefits and achievements about the green effort paid, as well as getting people involved in protecting the environment through activities and programs they are more interested in, for instance, holding eco fun fair and organic farm, promoting recycling reward scheme, etc. Findings in this research are generalized from selected groups of respondents, yet inspiring for both the official and private business parties to consider favorable green attributes and implement optimal measures in property management industry.