The idea of building an eco-village on the 68-hectare former landfill site in Tseung Kwan O was first floated last year by the Professional Green Building Council, a non-profit research and education institute created by a group of building-related professional bodies. Tseung Kwan O has three landfill sites. The one under discussion has been idle for 14 years. The proposal sees a financially self-sustainable village that would have zero carbon emissions. It would be run by community organisations rather than the government or big business.

Financial and technical feasibility studies are expected to be completed this summer. This will be followed by lobbying for government funding. Universities, green groups and the Youth Hostels Association have expressed interest in the village.

'The idea of transforming a wasteland into a green village with unique designs will help Hong Kong take a leading role in both environment and creative industries in Asia,' said council chairman Wong Kam-sing, who is taking the project forward. 'Families and organisations in the village will have to obey the green rules. They could be given limited access to water and electricity, which would inspire them to think about green living.'

The village will comprise five parks with village settlements, showrooms and education centres on different themes - water, energy, nature, waste and transport. Visitors to hostels in the 'energy park' would be able to try out various renewable-energy installations, while those in the 'earth park' would be invited to take part in organic farming. The site - larger than the proposed West Kowloon arts hub - is next to the Lohas Park residential project, which the MTR Corporation is touting as a green development. The village is expected to take up 45 hectares and will be connected to the MTR. A nearby canal will be revitalised for water activities.

The village would rely on two major income sources: rent and consultancy services. Families staying in hostels would be charged HK$500 a night, while non-profit organisations would be asked to pay to hold events. A chance to experience a hi-tech green lifestyle and a range of activities in the village is expected to be the main draw for families.

It is to be managed by a board including community representatives and professionals, and is expected to have 200 visitors per day and 400 housing units for a population of 1,200. The council proposes building the village - only one-storey buildings would be allowed - in three phases. The council hopes the government will fund the capital cost of HK$700 million.

'It means each person in the city will just need to pay HK$100,' said Mr Wong, adding that the council could raise the start-up operating cost of about HK$22 million.

A source at the Environment Bureau said it was looking at options for the site. Other proposals include a soccer academy and a pet garden.

The chairwoman of the Legislative Council's Environment Committee, Audrey Eu Yuet-mee, said a health assessment and a detailed cost-benefit analysis should be made if the project needed public funding.

Main features of the eco-village

1 Earth Park in which the public can participate in organic farming

2 Energy Park in which renewable energy generation will be demonstrated. People staying in the park will be taught to be energy efficient with a limited supply of electricity

3 Water Park in which people will learn about water conservation. Those staying in the park will have limited access to water

4 4 Forest Park will be set up with recycled or environment-friendly materials

5 Health Park & Eco-link will feature a large central park where large events will take place. The eco-link is a walkway with exhibitions connecting the MTR stations at Tseung Kwan O and Lohas Park.