LONDON - More than 100 UK companies have already lined up to be part of the Beijing Green Innovation Park, said a senior director involved in the project.

The park will feature a "village" of demonstration homes showcasing innovations such as low carbon and resource efficient technologies.

It is the brainchild of the Building Research Establishment of the UK and Chinese real estate developer Vanke.

"More than 100 UK enterprises have shown their interest in the project, including some top global companies," said Jaya Skandamoorthy, director of enterprise and innovation for the Building Research Establishment, an independent research-based consultancy, testing and training organization.

The 120,000-square-meter site in southwest Beijing's Fangshan district has been cleared and construction is expected to start in 2012.

"Vanke hopes the park will help the company become more competitive in sustainable buildings in the world," said Wang Yun, general manager of Vanke's research and development center, in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

"Meanwhile, we hope it works as a platform that brings in and incubates more high-tech enterprises for green buildings, so that we can boost the cause in China together."

All the buildings in the park will be energy efficient.

China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) seeks to achieve a more balanced approach to growth, focusing greater attention on the environment and sustainable development. The government has identified green and low-carbon sectors as the core of a new industrial strategy and an important pillar for growth.

"The park is an excellent platform not only for China's officials, architects and technicians, but also ordinary residents, to learn the best philosophy and technology of sustainable buildings," said Xu Wei, director of the Institute of Building Environment and Energy Efficiency, an affiliate of the China Academy of Building Research.

"China heavily relies on natural resources for its quick growth, so it is urgent to raise the awareness of the importance of sustainable development among its people," Xu said.