Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) while ensuring the highest standards of safety. Established in 1995, AAHK oversees HKIA’s operations and development, which began in 1998. The authority also engages in airport-related trade, commerce, and industry, managing a workforce of approximately 1,500, while daily operations are primarily carried out by Airport Business Partners (ABPs) with a workforce of 65,000.
Sustainable Design and Environmental Practices
Since its inception, HKIA has integrated environmentally responsible best practices into its design, construction, and operations. The airport’s signature “big window” terminal design maximizes natural light while minimizing solar heat gain, optimizing energy efficiency. These principles have been further refined in the soon-to-be commissioned Midfield Concourse.
HKIA excels in environmental areas where Hong Kong has world-class expertise, such as public transport connectivity and water conservation through seawater cooling and toilet flushing. However, AAHK continues to focus on challenging areas such as carbon and waste management, setting an example for the wider Hong Kong community.
Commitment to a Green Airport
AAHK has publicly pledged to make HKIA the world’s greenest airport. Achieving this goal requires a strategy that extends beyond AAHK’s direct control, involving collaboration with ABPs and stakeholders. AAHK has adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement approach to enhance its environmental footprint reduction initiatives.
To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, HKIA pledged in 2010 to cut its carbon intensity by 25% by 2015 compared to 2008 levels. While AAHK accounts for 40% of the airport’s emissions, ABPs contribute the remaining 60%. Through partnerships with ABPs and initiatives such as banning auxiliary power units of idling aircraft and promoting electric vehicle use, AAHK successfully reduced HKIA’s carbon intensity by 22.4% in 2014, keeping it on track to meet its target.
Addressing Food Waste and Waste Management
Food waste from HKIA’s catering outlets significantly contributes to the airport’s environmental footprint. In response, AAHK launched a food waste recycling program in 2003, composting waste from restaurants and lounges to create soil conditioner for airport landscaping. By 2011, this program expanded to include all catering outlets and 17 ABPs, including hotels, airline caterers, and large staff canteens. As a result, the volume of food waste recycled increased from 200 to 1,200 tonnes annually.
Future Sustainability Initiatives
AAHK’s collaborative approach has been key to its success in sustainability initiatives, particularly given the large number of ABPs involved. Moving forward, AAHK will continue applying similar engagement models to other environmental aspects, including air quality, general waste management, and water conservation.
With a strong focus on stakeholder collaboration and proactive environmental strategies, AAHK remains dedicated to building a safer, greener, and more sustainable future for Hong Kong International Airport.
