In the face of escalating climate change, cities and governments worldwide are taking decisive actions to mitigate their environmental impact and are paving the way toward carbon neutrality. Known to be one of the most densely populated metropolises on the planet, aiming at net-zero carbon, Hong Kong is actively embracing this global effort through sustainable development initiatives and innovative measures to reduce carbon footprint of Hong Kong and foster a cleaner, greener future.
What is a net-zero carbon footprint?
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, achieving “net-zero carbon” refers to balancing carbon emissions and carbon removal from the atmosphere. This involves minimising carbon emissions as much as possible and offsetting remaining emissions through activities like reforestation, carbon capture and storage, or investing in renewable energy projects. Reducing the carbon footprint (total amount of carbon dioxide emissions) of a person, entity, or city, is crucial to combat climate change and limit the severity of its impact, which includes rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and disruptions to natural ecosystems – phenomena that we are already witnessing. This requires a serious collective effort at a global level if we are to create any real impact toward saving our planet. Every action, small or large, counts!
Why does “achieving net-zero carbon” in Hong Kong matter?
Hong Kong is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as rising sea levels pose a significant risk to the city's coastal areas, including low-lying districts and infrastructure near the shoreline. Extreme natural events, such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, lead to flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transportation, power supplies, water supplies, public services and residential structures. These climate change-related occurrences not only put public safety at risk but also underscore the urgency for Hong Kong to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a more sustainable future, faster. With carbon emissions standing at approximately 4.5 metric tons per capita, there is a critical need for rapid decarbonization. However, as a modern, densely populated city of over 7.5 million people, achieving the transition to net-zero carbon in Hong Kong presents several challenges.
One key challenge for reducing Hong Kong’s carbon footprint lies in the transportation sector. Accounting for approximately 18% of the city's total carbon emissions, this sector faces hindrances due to high vehicle density and reliance on fossil fuels. Private vehicles are considered by some residents as a more efficient day-to-day transport tool, especially for those with higher incomes, which contributes further to the city’s overall carbon output.
Emissions from the energy sector present another major challenge. According to Hong Kong’s 2022 greenhouse gas emission inventory, two-thirds of the city’s carbon emissions stem from electricity generation. This is fuelled by Hong Kong's rapid urbanisation and construction demands, which collectively add to our overall carbon footprint. To meet the city's long-term climate goals, transitioning to net-zero carbon energy sources in Hong Kong will be one of the key commitments.
Decarbonisation strategies to achieve net zero carbon in HK
To address these challenges, the government announced Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, outlining four major strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of Hong Kong: net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. These strategies aim to guide both the private and public sectors on how they can effectively and collectively contribute toward the goal of carbon neutrality before 2050.
- Green transport: The government promotes new energy vehicles and facilitates the green transformation of Hong Kong’s transport sector through initiatives such as the New Energy Transport Fund, which subsidises and encourages the adoption of green transport technologies like electric buses and hybrid commercial vehicles. To improve the electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Hong Kong and advance the adoption of EVs by the public, the government has introduced the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme to promote improvement of the overall EV charging infrastructure in the car parks of existing private residential buildings, incentivising residents to adopt EVs, contributing to Hong Kong’s net zero carbon goals.
- Net-zero electricity generation:Aiming to increase the use of zero-carbon energy for electricity generation and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels in Hong Kong, the government plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in electricity generation by, for example, installing more solar photovoltaic panels on buildings to harness clean solar energy. They are also exploring the development of advanced waste-to-energy facilities to convert waste into electricity.
- Energy saving and green buildings: In pursuit of reducing overall electricity consumption in buildings, efforts are being made to promote energy conservation and corresponding public education. The Climate Action Plan sets targets to reduce the electricity consumption of commercial buildings by 30% to 40% and that of residential buildings by 20% to 30% by 2050, encouraging the public to embrace more energy-saving practices. To support this goal, businesses are incentivised through subsidy schemes like the Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings to incorporate energy-efficient technologies and sustainable design principles in construction and operations, which assists in advancing the development of low-carbon or net-zero-carbon buildings in Hong Kong.
- Waste Reduction: Efforts to minimize carbon emissions from waste are being carried out through a comprehensive strategy that includes promoting waste reduction, recycling, and establishing waste-to-energy facilities. The government aims to expand the community recycling network by introducing recycling stores and spots across all districts in Hong Kong. To further complement these efforts, waste reduction education and best practices are being actively promoted to spread awareness and encourage sustainable waste management practices among the public.
MTR Lab: Driving sustainable solutions for a smarter net-zero carbon HK
MTR Lab, a subsidiary of MTR Corporation, is actively supporting the community’s net-zero carbon ambitions through sustainable investments in technology-led, environmentally friendly solutions. Recognizing the importance of reducing the carbon footprint in Hong Kong, MTR Lab aligns with MTR Corporation’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, actively seeking technology investment opportunities and commercialising solutions that support sustainability and smart city development to strengthen the Corporation’s core business and leadership in driving sustainable urban development.
MTR Lab’s portfolio includes companies and subsidiaries that contribute to its mission to reduce carbon footprint of Hong Kong. For example, Carbon Wallet, a green lifestyle reward platform, incentivises green actions like using low-carbon public transportation, walking, recycling, and adopting a green diet to promote low-carbon living and reduce individual carbon footprint.
On top of this, MTR Lab also invests in businesses that specialise in developing cutting-edge technologies and innovations that contribute to carbon reduction. Companies like Ampd Energy, WeMaintain, and isBIM Limited are part of MTR Lab's investment portfolio, implementing sustainable solutions in Hong Kong:
- Ampd Energy specialises in developing energy storage systems as a cleaner alternative to diesel generators and emit significantly less carbon dioxide compared to fossil-fuel combustion. Their products drive the shift towards cleaner energy solutions, lower carbon emissions, and more sustainable heavy industries on a global scale.
- WeMaintain offers remote, real-time monitoring of building operations, including lifts and escalators, and utilises data analytics to enable predictive and prescriptive maintenance. This solution reduces energy consumption, breakdowns, and maintenance costs for lifts and escalators, ultimately contributing to carbon footprint reduction in building operations and maintenance.
- isBIM Limited leverages Building Information Modelling technologies and Digital Twin solutions to improve efficiency and enhance sustainability of construction projects. Their solutions also enhance operational efficiency, optimise energy efficienc, reduce construction waste, improve safety, and strengthen Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting.
By exploring investments and introducing sustainable solutions in areas including mobility, new retail technology, property and construction technology, etc., MTR Lab is strategically driving collaboration with industry partners to create an innovation ecosystem that will help build a greener and smarter community in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is making significant strides towards carbon neutrality and achieving a cleaner, more sustainable future. Through the collaborative efforts of the government, public, and private sectors, the city can very well achieve sustainable transformation and preserve a better world for future generations.
MTR Lab is privileged to be part of that green story and play a role in this crucial endeavour, supporting the city’s net-zero carbon ambitions and paving the way towards a carbon-neutral Hong Kong.
For how MTR Lab and its subsidiaries support EV development , please visit https://www.mtrlab.com.hk/en/news/6698f4beb6baadb2e03171ae/ .
