TABLE OF CONTENTS - The Professional Green Building Council

Theme B: Creating a livable, healthy and environmentally viable cities5.5 Social Cohesion through Community Participation and CommunicationThe Estate Management Advisory Committee Scheme was introduced in 1995 toincrease tenant’s participation in estate management. Each Committee consists ofthe Estate Housing Manager, a District Councillor of the constituent, andrepresentatives from Mutual Aid Committees and residents associations. Regularmeetings are held to discuss matters of concern to tenants and funds are providedfor the Committees to carry out improvement works and organize local functions.Tenants also participate directly in appraising the performance of various servicecontractors. This Scheme has made a significant contribution to building apartnership between the management of estates and the tenants.5.6 Customer SatisfactionWe have been conducting customer satisfaction surveys with our residents formany years, to gather their feedback on newly completed estates and compilestatistical data. This data will be used in reviews of the types of flat that we build,the space standards that we use and specific requirements for estate facilities andcommunal areas. Latest survey results in 2004/05 indicated that over 60% ofhouseholds were either very or quite satisfied with our services and less than 1%was dissatisfied with the estate, the block and flat facilities, and the overallworkmanship in the estate. These surveys are invaluable in our drive forimprovements and we apply the findings to refine our design standards,management services and administration of future projects.5.7 Developing Community Participation in Design and Planning Processes.Engaging the community is an important step in enhancing social sustainabilityduring the planning and design stages. We have piloted several models to exploreuser-oriented neighbourhood design, on Estates at Yau Tong Estate Phase 4, MaHang Headland, Upper Ngau Tak Kok Estate Phases 2&3 and Lam Tin EstatePhases 7&8. A variety of interest groups have been engaged; academics, residents,schools and non-government organizations in a series of facilitated workshops,303