Research method The research data in this study was searches and collected using a combination of literature review, existing research reports, questionnaires survey, case study and structured face-to- face interview with housing project managers. Literature review and questionnaire survey are adopted to examine the green technologies applicable in implementing housing projects. Case study and existing research reports are employed to demonstrate whether green elements in housing project development process can offer developers with competitive advantages. Data collected from practical survey also help reveal the barriers in adopting green elements in the practice of housing development.