HKIA pledges to reduce 25% carbon intensity by 2015

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) and nearly 40 airport business partners today pledged to reduce Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) carbon emissions by 25% per workload unit by 2015. This marks not only the first airport-wide carbon intensity reduction pledge among airports in the world, but also the first voluntary, sector-wide carbon intensity reduction pledge in Hong Kong.

Airlines, cargo operators, aviation services providers, franchisees, contractors, government departments and the AA have developed more than 300 carbon-reduction initiatives to fulfill the pledge. The reduction 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. One workload unit is equal to one passenger or 100kg of cargo.

The ceremony was hosted by the Chairman of the AA, Dr the Hon Marvin Cheung Kin-tung, and officiated by Eva Cheng, Secretary for Transport and Housing, and Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment. The pledge was welcomed by representatives for several green groups who were in attendance, including Dr Man Chi-sum, Chief Executive Officer of Green Power and Edwin Lau, Director of Friends of the Earth (HK).

Dr Marvin Cheung Kin-tung said, "We are delighted to have the support of our major airport business partners in making this pledge as we continue to build toward a green airport for Hong Kong. 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."

Dr Cheung added that it was particularly encouraging to have the green groups witness the pledge. The airport-wide effort has also been endorsed by the Business Environment Council and Airports Council International. "Acknowledgement and encouragement from these organisations mean a great deal to the Airport Authority and the airport community at large," said Dr Cheung.

Officiating at the ceremony, Eva Cheng, Secretary for Transport and Housing, said, "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. The concerted efforts of the airport community, led by the Airport Authority, will make a difference. The carbon reduction pledge is an important step in the right direction, and I am confident that the Authority will be able to meet the pledge by 2015, and do more beyond 2015."

Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, said, "With the voluntary pledge announced today to reduce the airport-wide carbon emissions by 25% per passenger or per 100kg of cargo by 2015, as compared to the 2008 levels, the airport community has collectively demonstrated a firm commitment to further reducing carbon emissions in a progressive and transparent manner. This is an excellent example and role model for other industries and service sectors in Hong Kong."

Going forward, AA CEO Stanley Hui said carbon audits will be conducted every year to take stock of the progress made in the reduction of carbon emissions. Additional workshops will be organised to share best practices in environmental protection and management. Promotional campaigns will also be launched to encourage environmentally friendly behaviour, be it at work or at home.

Some of the major carbon-reduction 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
- Launching green educational programmes among the airport community, e.g. proper use electric appliances/ systems
(Source:www.transportweekly.com)