The environmental policy is being exploited and a review is needed, say lawmakers and a green group
The government policy to promote eco-buildings has enabled developers to add floor space worth hundreds of millions of dollars to their projects by paying land premiums amounting to a tiny fraction of the space's value.
Inquiries by the South China Morning Post on four new estates found the developers had obtained between 3 and 13.8 per cent additional floor space by adding 'green' features that attract minimal or no premiums.
Lawmakers and a green group said the policy was being exploited and should be reviewed.
The Buildings Department said a survey would be carried out this year on whether the policy, set in 2001 and 2002, should be maintained.
The four projects are The Arch in West Kowloon, The Orchards in Kornhill, Metro Harbourview in Tai Kok Tsui and Grand Promenade in Sai Wan Ho.