Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) took part in the Earth Hour organized by WWF for the second year running, with over 150 developments in its extensive property network joining the worldwide one-hour lights-out campaign last Saturday evening. They included Sun Hung Kai Centre, International Finance Centre, Central Plaza, APM, Grand Century Place, Park Island and more. The number of SHKP developments taking part this year was twice that of last year, making SHKP one of the developers with the highest participation rates and showing its determination to protect the earth.

Monthly lights-out at Park Island

Park Island has been staging its own monthly lights-out since 2009, partially switching off public lights between 7pm and 11pm on the third Sunday of every month. It also appeals to residents to minimize use of appliances. The calls have been widely supported.

The estate also has energy-saving measures like energy-efficient lighting at public areas, stairwells, indoor escalators and elsewhere, LED fire exit signs and other green technologies that make it possible to lower electrical voltage of public lighting by ten percent to save energy. Park Island saved a million kWh of electricity last year; equivalent to a reduction of 660 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Renewable energy at Grand Century Place

Last year, Grand Century Place saved five percent in electricity and 1,119 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions with energy-efficiency and renewable energy measures over a year before. These included windmills and solar panels to generate power for roof lighting, LED signboards, a rainwater collection system to irrigate podium gardens, etc. Charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed to encourage green driving.

Grand Century Place actively promotes green awareness and sustainability. There is a model on L5 showcasing the generation of renewable energy, and a 1,000-square-foot organic farm plot on the roof open to tenants and seniors living nearby for farming. Sky gardens and greenery on L9 and the roof help lower the temperature indoors.

Over 100 SHKP properties have completed or are in the process of completing carbon audits. SHKP will introduce new environmentally-friendly measures and management systems and organize activities to enhance green awareness among residents and tenants to help make Hong Kong a greener society.