Hong Kong International Airport pledges to reduce carbon intensity by a quarter within five years

Hong Kong International Airport pledges to reduce carbon intensity by a quarter within five years | Hong Kong International Airport,HKIA

AA Chairman Dr Marvin Cheung announces pledge

Tue 11 Jan 2011 – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) and nearly 40 airport business partners have pledged to reduce Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) carbon emissions by 25 per cent per workload unit – defined as equal to one passenger or 100kg of cargo – by 2015. The authority claims this marks not only the first airport-wide carbon intensity reduction promise among airports in the world but also the first voluntary, sector-wide carbon reduction undertaking in Hong Kong. Along with airlines, cargo operators, aviation services providers, franchisees, contractors and government departments, AA has developed more than 300 carbon-reduction initiatives. The target will be measured against the baseline emission levels determined in the maiden airport-wide carbon audit for 2008, which covered all major buildings, facilities and vehicle fleets on the airport island.

 

The announcement was made at a ceremony hosted by the Chairman of the AA, Dr the Hon Marvin Cheung Kin-tung and attended by government representatives and environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth and Green Power.

 

“We are delighted to have the support of our major airport business partners in making this pledge as we continue to build towards a green airport for Hong Kong,” said Dr Cheung. “As a responsible corporate citizen we have implemented a number of environmental programmes over the years and today’s pledge further demonstrates our commitment to operating and developing the airport in an environmentally responsible manner.”

 

Some of the major programmes undertaken, or to be undertaken, by the airport community include:

  • replacing traditional lighting with 81,000 LEDs by 2013 in passenger terminal buildings;
  • integrating the cooling systems in Terminal 1 and Ground Transportation Centre by 2011 so that the seawater chilling unit of various sizes can be used more effectively;
  • upgrading fixed ground power and pre-conditioned air systems at aircraft stands to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency;
  • increasing the energy efficiency of flight simulators and enhancing building design to reduce heat gain;
  • introducing more energy-efficient vehicles and equipment, and improving vehicle maintenance to reduce fuel combustion and consumption;
  • initiating trials of green roofs and renewable energy, e.g. solar panels and wind turbines; and
  • launching green educational programmes among the airport community, e.g. proper use of electric appliances/ systems.

 

AA CEO Stanley Hui said carbon audits will be conducted every year to measure progress and additional workshops would be organised to share best practices in environmental protection and management. Promotional campaigns will also be launched to encourage environmentally friendly behaviour in the home as well as in the workplace.

 

Details about each participating partner’s carbon-reduction programmes have been uploaded to a new page on the airport’s website, with updates to be provided as and when programmes are completed and new ones are developed.

 

“As our airport continues to expand and strengthen its position as an international and regional aviation centre, we must step up our efforts in protecting the environment,” said Eva Cheng, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Transport and Housing. “The concerted efforts of the airport community, led by the Airport Authority, will make a difference.”

 

 

Link:

HKIA Carbon-reduction Programmes


 

 

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