A brief discussion on current vertical greenery systems in Hong Kong: the way forward

Fast growing cities consume natural resources in vast quantities resulting adverse effects to both human and natural environment. Integrating sustainable initiatives to development projects cannot be overlooked. Thus, vertical greening is gaining popularity throughout the world as a viable option of integrating greenery into urban inhabitants. Vertical greenery systems offer wide range of environment, economic and social benefits. Vertical greenery is merely use of vegetation on facades of the building. Growing climbers on building walls is not a novel perception; it has been a practice from ancient time. However, vertical greenery systems are being developing with new technologies allowing more design flexibility. In Hong Kong, vertical greenery is gaining popularity among all sectors including commercial, institutional, government and residential. This initiative is a good answer for severe air pollution and heat island effect in Hong Kong. This paper discusses on environmental, economic and social benefits from vertical greenery systems, different classifications of vertical greenery systems, vertical greenery applications in Hong Kong, plant species used in vertical greenery in Hong Kong and codes and standards that can be adopted for vertical greenery systems. In Hong Kong, vertical greenery is still at its infancy stage which is yet to explore to maximize the benefits and to uplift the quality of built environment.