Government advised to tighten green roof standards nine years ago
Consulting firm recommended the Architectural Services Department devise a set of “reliable standards” for building green roofs back in a study carried out in 2007
Little has been done by the government to come up with a set of clear guidelines for adding greenery to rooftops, despite being advised to do so nine years ago by its consultant, a study has revealed.
Speaking to the Post, veteran urban designer Peter Cookson Smith, whose consulting firm Urbis had recommended the Architectural Services Department devise a set of “reliable standards” for building green roofs in a study carried out in 2007, said they should require approvals from the Buildings Department and closer supervision was necessary.
Cookson Smith said the public has neglected the risks involved in adding such features to rooftops, even on a small scale.
“It should be something that requires building permission,” he said.
His comments came after the collapse of the green roof above a sports centre at City University on Friday, which left three injured, about a week after hundreds of students took exams under the same roof.