Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department wins top carbon-neutral award
The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department received the Sustainable Carbon Neutral Excellence Award on 29 October. Director Carmen Wong cited innovative technology and measures to support the city's 2050 carbon-neutral target, including AI energy optimisation and two-phase immersion cooling.
The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has been awarded the Sustainable Carbon Neutral Excellence Award. Director Carmen Wong received the prize at a ceremony on 29 October.
Wong thanked her team for years of work using innovative technology to boost efficiency and promote sustainable development. She said the CAD, as guardian of aviation safety, is committed to providing a safe, efficient and sustainable world-class air traffic system. While ensuring safe, reliable, orderly and efficient aviation operations, the department also actively pursues smart carbon reduction. She pledged the CAD would persist in supporting Hong Kong's drive towards carbon neutrality.
In recent years, the CAD has introduced innovative technologies and implemented multiple measures to support Hong Kong's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These include two-phase immersion cooling technology, which significantly improves the energy efficiency of data processing systems; an artificial intelligence energy optimisation system that continuously improves central air-conditioning control and energy management; and an approach spacing management system that optimises flight arrival scheduling, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions from arriving aircraft.
The CAD has also installed various green equipment at its headquarters building and outlying facilities to promote low-carbon operations across the board. This includes solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. At outlying facilities, it is trialling passive radiative cooling paint to lower building temperatures and reduce air-conditioning demand.
The Sustainable Carbon Neutral Excellence Award's judging criteria cover four areas: resource management, innovation and creativity, environmental impact, and partnerships. All participating organisations undergo a three-stage rigorous selection process before a judging panel selects those that demonstrate concrete results and a long-term commitment to sustainable development.