On Tai Estate has proudly received the Grand Award and the Special Citation on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals under the New Buildings Category (Completed Projects – Residential) in Green Building Award 2021, additional honours after receiving the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Sustainable Construction Award 2018, Hong Kong Institute of Project Management Awards 2019, Asia Pacific Project Management Awards 2019 and Quality Building Award 2020. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and the Professional Green Building Council, the Green Building Award has been held biennially since 2006. The Award aims to give recognition to building-related projects and organisations with outstanding performance and contributions in promoting green building and sustainability.

Formerly the Anderson Road Quarry, On Tai Estate has been transformed from a barren land into an “urban oasis”, developing into a sustainable community and providing green living environment for over 8 500 families in 11 domestic blocks. Resident surveys revealed that over 90% of the residents were satisfied with the estate as a whole, with particular commendations on the greening and the provision of supporting facilities including the wet market, featured external areas with public art works and geological exhibitions. Detailed micro-climatic studies were conducted to enhance building disposition and design. The colour pattern for the elevations of the domestic blocks was adopted according to the thermal study to minimise the solar heat gained on the building façade. The application of Standard Flat Modules for domestic floors resulted in achieving over 50% (in concrete volume) of off-site prefabrication. It saved nearly 7 000 trees in formworks and reduced 70% of construction waste. With the use of sustainable rainwater collection and sub-irrigation planting system, Zero Irrigation System was applied in planting trees on top of shrubs and groundcovers to minimise water consumption. About 30 solar light tubes were also installed at the wet market and the car park for introducing natural light and reducing energy consumption.

Despite great challenges encountered during the construction of public housing, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) continues to accumulate experiences, maintain greening and sustainability as the top priority in delivering quality public housing.