To enhance the image of countryside and support eco-tourism, the Countryside Conservation Office, in collaboration with Architectural Services Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, has delivered this Eco-Smart Public Toilet. The project incorporates various smart and green ideas in its design, construction and operation, striving to reduce carbon emissions.
In response to the village environment in context, there is a simple and natural touch to the architectural design of Lai Chi Wo Eco-Smart Public Toilet. The southward-sloping roof made of 10% transparent PV panels on one hand relates to the profile of the pitched roofs in traditional Hakka vernacular architecture and maximises the efficiency in solar power harvest on the other.
Lai Chi Wo Eco-Smart Public Toilet is Hong Kong's first public building satisfied the high environmental standard - 'Advancing Net Zero' as defined by the World Green Building Council. The toilet reduced embodied carbon during construction by around 40% and fully offsets operational emissions. In addition to receiving two awards from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 2024, the project was also honoured with the Architectural Services Department Annual Award - Sustainable Design by the Architectural Services Department, recognising its outstanding achievements in green architectural design and rural innovation.
The design adopts the '4R' principles - Recycle, Replace, Reuse, Reduce. Solar panels, modular building methods, and recycled materials cut down the use of steel and energy. The toilet is also equipped with family friendly and smart features, making them convenient for all types of visitors to use.
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