How Hong Kong is improving energy efficiency

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Hong Kong has set its sights on carbon neutrality by 2050, with a clear interim goal to slash total emissions in half compared to 2005 levels by 2035. To reach this, the Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050, outlined four main decarbonisation strategies - net-zero electricity generation, energy-efficient and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction. The government has also committed to reducing total carbon emissions by 50% compared with the 2005 level before the year 2035. 

Buildings are the biggest piece of the puzzle. They consume around 90% of the city’s electricity and account for over 60% of emissions. That’s why transforming buildings, through retrofit, smart energy use, and improved standards, is key to a sustainable future. 

We tackle the most pressing challenges of today at AtkinsRéalis. At the heart of all of our projects, we strive to minimise our impact on the planet and the climate. Our mission to Engineering Net Zero is about leaving our world in a better state than we found it. 

How is Hong Kong constructing energy-efficient buildings?

Buildings are prime targets for deep energy savings. Under the Climate Action Plan, the government aims to cut electricity use by 30-40% in commercial buildings and 20-30% in residential buildings by 2050, with half the gains due by 2035. 

At AtkinsRealis, our energy jobs focus on this opportunity, with strategies like:

• Upgrading HVAC and lighting systems to modern efficiency standards
• Reducing energy through retrofit and digital optimisation
• Integrating green building certifications to raise performance across design and operation

How to create renewable power in a compact city

Hong Kong’s geography limits local renewable energy generation, but the government is rising to the challenge. The plan is to lift renewables in the fuel mix from <1% today to 7.5% by 2035 and to 15% by 2050. We’re deeply involved, from early-stage feasibility to digital design, helping to create scalable solutions that turn waste into power, and rooftops into solar assets. 

Notable developments include:

• Floating solar installations at reservoirs
• Waste-to-energy facilities and organic recovery centres producing clean power from organic waste streams

What is the 4Ts framework? 

The 4Ts framework was developed after the Paris Agreement - an international treaty on climate change to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. 

It provides an operational framework for government, commercial, and non-profit organisations to save energy. 

• Target - carbon reduction target 
• Timeline - when will you achieve this carbon reduction target by 
• Transparency - metrics to monitor progress
• Together - everyone’s efforts matter so we must work together 

The target for the energy-saving charter is a 40% reduction in energy intensity by 2025, with 2005 as a base year.

What are the energy-saving practices that are being implemented? 

• Maintain average indoor temperature at 24-26℃ during summer (June to September)
• Switch off appliances and systems when not in use
• Procure energy-efficient products and systems (such as Grade 1 electrical appliances)
• Engage staff/students/tenants to adopt the above practices together

Renewable energy 

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and renewable energy is one of the ways we achieve sustainability in our projects. We’ve developed our business strategy around this fundamental principle; it’s woven into every aspect of our work, from project planning to delivery. 

The Hong Kong government are committed to increasing the share of renewable energy in the fuel mix for electricity generation from 7.5% to 10% by 2035, and to 15% by 2050. 

Current technology could allow Hong Kong to generate 3-4% of its electricity renewably from potential wind, solar and waste-to-energy resources that could be exploited between now and 2030. 

Renewable energy certificates (REC)

This REC scheme is a government initiative to promote the development and use of renewable energy sources. Businesses and individuals are able to purchase RECs to offset their carbon emissions, without having to invest in their own renewable energy sources, which can be very expensive. 

The scheme has been designed to encourage the development of renewable energy sources and to give businesses and individuals access to renewable energy. 

Work on innovative projects that improve energy efficiency

We want to deliver a cleaner, greener tomorrow, and if you are passionate about climate change and sustainability, we would love to hear from you. 

Hong Kong is a great place to grow your career whilst making a positive contribution to combating climate change. You’ll enjoy opportunities in some of the most challenging cities & development projects for major stakeholders such as Mass Transit Railway, Hong Kong Airport, and world-class infrastructure projects.

Drive change at AtkinsRéalis in Hong Kong.