Mr. Wang’s ‘garden in the sky’

Wang said a square meter of sky lawn could cost as little as $3, with annual maintenance at just a dollar.

He conceded, however, that government funding and donations will not be enough to realize his dream, and that "legal compulsion" may be necessary to tap the vast resources of the corporate world.

"Real estate developers destroy the earth on the ground, and it's reasonable to demand that they compensate nature by creating rooftop gardens," he asserted.

His association is lobbying for a new building code that will require that between one and three percent of the overall construction budget is allocated for customized rooftop gardens, which could only cost about $40 per square meter.

"Why, if Mercedes Benz or Ford make new buildings in their home country, they are required to create rooftop lawns, but they are under no compulsion to do so in China?" he lamented.

Celebrity backing
Wang said he had no doubt about the popular appeal of the program, which should translate into future massive support and donations.

As proof, he cited the recent greening of the rooftop of Beijing Hotel, a city landmark, which was attended by nine famous film stars who are look-alikes of China's past revolutionary leaders like Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong.

"We have to do our share for a better environment," remarked Lu Qi, who acts as Deng in movies, while laying a grass bed at the event.

"Movie stars like them charge $12,000 per public appearance but to show their support, they waived their fee," Wang pointed out.

"Summer temperature at rooftops could soar as high as 72 degrees centigrade (187 degrees Fahrenheit); people tend to consume more water and electricity under that," he said.

"The rooftop gardens will beautify Beijing for the Olympics, reduce air pollution and cut down energy consumption," Wang said.

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