O • PARK1 is the first Organic Resources Recovery Centre (ORRC) in Hong Kong. It is located in Siu Ho Wan, North Lantau, to the northwest of the existing Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works and adjacent to the Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station.
The O • PARK1 is a biological treatment facility, that occupies a total site area of about 22,073 m2, with a capacity of about 200 tonnes per day. It adopts anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas (a source of renewable energy similar to natural gas) for electricity generation whilst the residues from the process can be produced as compost for landscaping and agriculture use.
In this project, AEC was appointed as a project BEAM Plus consultant to provide guidance and professional advice on sustainable building design, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality. Besides, AEC worked closely with the project team to identify opportunities for improving the building’s sustainability performance and ensuring that the building met the criteria for BEAM Plus certification. Finally, the development was certified with a Final Platinum rating under BEAM Plus NB V1.2 in 2022.
The outstanding green and performance features of the core buildings are summarized below table:
Site Aspects
One-third of the site area is covered by greenery.
Exterior lighting is minimized to prevent light pollution in rural locations.
Materials Aspects
Over 80% of building materials are manufactured regionally to reduce transport carbon footprint.
Over 30% of construction waste is recycled.
Absorption chillers are used with water as CFC-free refrigerant, with less ozone depletion and global warming impact.
Energy Use
Full electricity consumption to be saved by electricity and heat generated on-site by converted from food waste.
Building energy fully utilizing renewable energy generated from organic waste recycling.
High-efficiency absorption chillers utilizing waste heat deployed for air conditioning.
Water Use
Over 50% of annual water is saved by efficient water devices.
Over 50% of flushing water is reduced by efficient flushing devices.
Water reused on site reducing fresh water consumption by 40%.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor Air Quality Certification ‘Excellent Class Level’ achieved.
Over 90% of occupied spaces are enhanced by natural lighting.
Covered walkway (O • LINK) & roof farm garden (O • FARM) enhancing the quality and functionality of the building.
Enhanced design to facilitate access for persons with disability.
Innovations and Additions
Energy generated from waste not only sustains internal consumption but is also adequate to be exported to the public grid.
Free education tour is offered to the public to learn about the importance of reducing and recycling food waste and the transformation of turning food waste into energy and resources.