2022/23 Sustainability Feature Stories
Leading by Example: Hong Kong’s First Zero-Carbon Chiller System Project
The real estate sector is one of the largest carbon emitters in the world. We are well aware that decarbonising our buildings is necessary to stop the escalation of climate change. This is why we are eager to lead changes in how developers reduce emissions and accelerate our climate transition through collaborating with other sustainability leaders.
During the Reporting Period, we partnered with the local energy provider for a 20-year BOOT agreement to introduce Hong Kong’s inaugural zero- carbon chiller system at Nina Tower, the tallest structure in the New Territories. The advanced water- cooled air conditioning system, featuring cutting- edge Artifical Intelligence (“AI”) management, real-time monitoring and round-the-clock onsite maintenance, provides energy-efficient air conditioning service for the entire complex while significantly reducing carbon emissions. While this collaboration propels the city’s sustainability effort to new heights, it also provides us with a new, effective way to mitigate our impact on climate with the help of building innovation.
Key features of the zero-carbon chiller system
Providing reliable and energy efficient cooling for 20 years
Containing a maximum capacity of 9,300 refrigeration tonnes
Achieving over 50% electricity consumption reduction over the existing system
Supported by Green Electricity Certificates issued by the local energy provider
Optimised operation efficiency with 24/7 and AI-based chiller optimisation solution
Reducing 7,000 tonnes of carbon emission annually
As part of the agreement, the electricity consumed by the chiller plants at Nina Tower will be matched by an equivalent amount of Green Electricity Certificates linked to renewable energy projects in Mainland China. This makes Nina Tower the first zero-carbon chiller system in Hong Kong, and it aligns with our Carbon Reduction Roadmap — CCG 3050+, which outlines our unwavering commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum
In 2023, as the world sought healing from the global health crisis, we collaborated with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (“HKCO”) to present a series of drumming events called “One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum” to instil positivity and connectivity within the community and spread joy across 18 districts.
The “One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum” programme consisted of a series of public drumming activities in various forms. These included an online #DrumChallenge, performance by world drumming teams, percussion workshops at Central Market and NINA MALL and a Music Wellness Workshop at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West.
Additionally, over 900 community members from different backgrounds have participated in the “Connecting the community through drumming” training. Led by HKCO’s musicians, participants were guided through the drumming experience, creating a collective memory of this unique event and sharing joy within the community.
Further, the upcoming “One Beat, One World” carnival and concert will be held both over the Internet and in person in the West Kowloon Cultural District. This allows participants and drum performers from different parts of the world to converge in a celebration of music and community.
As the drumming continues, so does our commitment to a sustainable future, where every initiative we undertake is a step towards a more inclusive, prosperous and resilient society.
Home2 Youth Hostel Programme
The Group has been a strong believer in our youth, who will be the leaders and change-makers of the future. We strive to provide all possible support for youth and generate a future where youth can thrive with confidence. Nina Hospitality, in response to the Youth Development Blueprint—Youth Hostel Programme launched by the Hong Kong SAR Government, has established a 5-year collaboration with Y.Elite Association to launch and operate the Home² Youth Hostel project, as we are eager to be part of the residing youth’ life journeys, and provide them with our care and support. The project also aligned with our commitment to 3Ps, which is to actively support our community through diverse initiatives, particularly those focused on society and youth development.
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West will undergo a transformation by converting 100 rooms in Tower 1 into up to 200 well-equipped hostel spaces. The newly renovated rooms will offer single or double beds, along with essential amenities such as water, electricity, Wi-Fi and housekeeping services. The rent will be significantly lower than the prevailing rates in the area, making it an ideal option for youth.
With an average size of approximately 31 square meters, these hostel spaces will provide youth with ample room to enjoy a comfortable and spacious living experience. We plan to turn the hotel into a dynamic and energetic living base for our young guests to focus on their self- development, pursue their dreams and build a better future.
Nina Park: The Urban Park with The Largest Wood Fossil Collection in Asia
In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, a new chapter in urban sustainability is unfolding at Nina Park. Nina Park is our second “Playground for All” project, which has been renovated to provide visitors with an engaging and refreshing experience. This Hong Kong’s first and only wood fossil park spans approximately 70,000 square feet and features an extraordinary collection of museum-grade wood fossils with millions of years of history. Designed to be an “edutainment” park, this exciting landmark aims to engage visitors in a journey to the Earth’s past and provide a new way to experience nature and sustainability through actively learning and enjoying all of the park’s green features.
Nina Park’s renovation represents a new chapter in urban recreation where the past and future co-exist. The Park will be transformed into an urban park where visitors can connect with nature, reflect on our planet’s history and enjoy the benefits of a space designed with the well-being of People, Prosperity and Planet in mind. Closed for renovation during the Reporting Period, Nina Park is set to reopen its gates to the public in December 2023.
Green and Tech @ Nina Park
The renovation of Nina Park is guided by our commitment to 3Ps. Our proactive approach towards sustainability is reflected in the new design of Nina Park, equipped with a range of green and intelligent features.
Harnessing the Wind
The two-storey Wood Fossil Experience Centre is incorporated with a wind catcher that harnesses the prevailing southwest summer wind and the easterly wind for natural ventilation.
Water Conservation Innovation
By implementing the sponge park concept, the park’s rainwater harvesting system can capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation and waterscape.
Solar Radiation Control
Opting for green roofs and light-coloured surfaces with high reflectance is an effective way to minimise heat absorption and create a cooler and more enjoyable environment.
Green Concrete
Green concrete, which has a lower carbon footprint and is certified by CIC Green Product Certification, has been extensively deployed, resulting in a significant reduction of 260 tonnes in carbon emissions.
Green Construction Practices
Electric-powered construction equipment including the cherry picker, spider crane and demolition robot, has been utilised to reduce the project’s carbon footprint. Techniques, like prefabricated steel and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (“DfMA”), have been employed to accelerate the building process, ensuring minimal on-site waste generation.
Renewable Energy Integration
Multiple solar panels have been installed to generate approximately102,518kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to 26% of Nina Park’s overall annual electricity consumption.
Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2022
While we are leading changes internally in our organisation, we also hope to ignite changes in thoughts and actions on sustainability in the community. Our annual Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference is one of our initiatives where we take sustainability leadership and accelerate society’s transition to a sustainable future, especially in the real estate industry. The 3rd Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference, themed “Creating Social Impact on the Zero Carbon Journey in Hong Kong”, was successfully concluded on 24 October 2022. We invited 15 distinguished speakers from various sectors, including government, academia, architectural bodies, technology and finance, who graciously shared their valuable experiences and insights with over 1,700 participants, both online and offline.
In the morning session of the Conference, we delved into the net-zero green building trend, innovative energy development and construction methods. We also explored how green finance contributes to sustainable asset development. Additionally, we discussed an international sustainable exemplar of building reuse and revitalisation. Moving on to the afternoon session, we shifted our focus to the significant roles of green and heritage conservation buildings in creating social impacts. We explored various aspects, including tenant engagement, community involvement and culture rejuvenation. It was genuinely fascinating to see the wide-ranging effects these buildings can have on society.
The Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference is an impactful flagship event widely acknowledged by sustainability professionals and the general public. Since 2019, we have co-organised the Conference with the Hong Kong Green Building Council (“HKGBC”) to offer a thought-provoking arena where professionals, ideas and knowledge gather to catalyse the transformation of Hong Kong’s and the global built environment. It aims to be an epicentre of change, to challenge the status quo and to foster positive contributions to sustainable development.
