To support the delivery of the HKIA 2035 Decarbonisation Roadmap, AAHK’s carbon management action plan covers several key initiatives that aim to cut absolute emissions by 55%:
Reduce absolute emissions
By 2035
from a 2018 baseline
Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by HKIA. These include emissions from on-site fuel combustion, airport-owned vehicles, refrigerant leakage, and stationary combustion sources like generators. Reducing these emissions involves transitioning to cleaner fuels, increasing energy efficiency, electrification, and upgrading systems.
Our efforts have significantly reduced Scope 1 emissions over time, driven by initiatives such as electrification plans, approach to low carbon transition fuels, and ongoing review of refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP).
The Airside Vehicles Electrification Programme and award-winning GSE Pooling Scheme, launched in 2013 and 2018 respectively, have substantially reduced emissions and helped to relieve congestion on airport service roads. We plan to convert all electrifiable airside vehicles by 2030, increasing the number of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-GSE operating at HKIA to over 3,000.
In line with the roadmap for GSE electrification and the growing use of EVs at HKIA, AAHK will commence the expansion of the current airside and landside charging infrastructure for EVs and e-GSE starting in 2024/25. There are plans to install over 1,300 new EV chargers by 2030 to support the Three-Runway System (3RS) operation.
RD is a cleaner, more efficient fuel that can cut emissions by up to 97% compared to conventional diesel. In April 2024, we launched a pilot project to use RD in our operations to reduce GHG emissions while improving air quality. HKIA is the first airport in Asia to use RD for GSE.
We are phasing out the use of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and transitioning to low GWP alternatives. A strategy and roadmap have been developed for chiller and refrigerant replacement, adhering to statutory requirements.
Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of purchased energy. For HKIA, these emissions primarily arise from electricity used for lighting, heating, cooling, and equipment operation. To reduce Scope 2 emissions, the airport continues to focus on energy efficiency improvements, adopting renewable energy sources and innovative energy management solutions.
While the grid is expected to decarbonise over time, we have been continuously upgrading our building services systems and adopting cutting-edge technologies to reduce electricity and gas consumption, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Several energy-saving projects are being carried out, including LED lighting installation, chiller replacement, and innovative energy management solutions like Weather FACTS and BESS. We are converting 16,200 runway lights to LED, saving 28% of energy annually by 2027, and upgrading equipment with energy-efficient models.
A comprehensive study was conducted to maximise onsite solar generation at HKIA. Following recommendations, the next phase will involve designing and commissioning solar projects at identified sites on existing and future buildings.
AAHK will explore the possibility of piloting hydrogen-powered-vehicles or GSE, subject to market availability.
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions within HKIA’s value chain but fall outside our direct control. We have categorised Scope 3 'Under' and 'Beyond' The Pledge to enable effective management and to support our business partners in reducing emissions.
Scope 3 emissions 'Under' The Pledge include ground emissions from our business partners’ operations, including their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which are accounted for as part of our Scope 3 emissions.
Through our Business Partners Carbon Support Programme, we actively support our business partners on their decarbonisation journeys.
Launched in March 2022 with the Business Environment Council, the programme equips the airport community with the resources to manage carbon emissions and promotes sharing of practices in alignment with the HKIA Net Zero 2050 Pledge.
The HKIA Greenovation Fund provides financial support to business partners who have joined AAHK’s Net Zero Carbon pledge. It supports the piloting of new low-carbon technologies that can help to accelerate decarbonisation across the airport community.
The HKIA Sustainability Leaders Group brings together key stakeholders from across the airport community to drive sustainability efforts. By facilitating discussions, encouraging programme development, and sharing best practices, the group aligns collective actions toward achieving net zero.
We leverage multiple collaborative models — including Senior Executive Roundtable events, the Sustainability Leaders Group, and technology-focused work groups — to strengthen partnerships on sustainability and accelerate decision-making.
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions within HKIA’s value chain but fall outside our direct control. We have categorised Scope 3 'Under' and 'Beyond' The Pledge to enable effective management and to support our business partners in reducing emissions.
Scope 3 emissions ‘Beyond’ the Pledge includes emissions from other third parties and aircraft operations that AAHK reports on. HKIA has a stakeholder engagement plan to influence those third parties on carbon reduction initiatives. While we continue to proactively engage with relevant business partners on mitigation measures, we have limited influence to shape the emissions beyond the pledged boundary.
Aircraft at parking stands typically use APUs — small engines running on jet fuel that provide power when the main engines are off. To reduce emissions, we have banned the use of APUs at frontal stands since 2014. In order to meet the energy needs of parked aircraft, AAHK has since installed around 700 units of Fixed Ground Power (FGP) and Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) systems.
In 2024, we assessed and mapped our Scope 3 emissions against the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s 15 categories, with an aim to identify significant reduction opportunities. We are exploring possible collaboration with stakeholders to further reduce these emissions.
HKIA has the relevant fuelling infrastructure that enables airlines to receive, store and utilise pre-blended SAF. In 2024, in collaboration with the HKSAR Government and key stakeholders, we completed a major study on SAF to help identify the best roadmap for advancing aviation decarbonisation in Hong Kong.
Emissions arising from aircraft operations.
We welcomed a new business partner, Asia Airfreight Terminal, into the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge.
Renewable diesel (RD) is being trialled in ground services equipment (GSE), making HKIA the first airport in Asia to use RD in GSE.
The Sky Bridge was awarded a Final Platinum rating, the highest level in the BEAM Plus New Buildings system.
Our commitment to the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge is driven by the dedication of our people and the entire airport community. Recognition from the industry and leading ESG rating agencies encourages us to inspire even more stakeholders to join in the journey towards a sustainable future.
CLP
Innovation Excellence Award (Corporate and Government Bodies)
The ACI-ACA Programme, which governs the airport sector’s carbon management standard, is a globally recognised programme that evaluates airports’ carbon management efforts. Nearly 570 airports are accredited under this programme. The accreditation offers multiple levels, from “Mapping” to “Neutrality”, assessing airports on their ability to measure emissions, implement reduction strategies, engage stakeholders, and reduce emissions. Achieving this accreditation highlights an airport’s commitment to sustainability and encourages continuous improvement in carbon management practices.
In 2023, AAHK achieved ACI-ACA Level 4 “Transformation,” advancing from its previous Level 3 “Optimisation.” This accreditation recognises AAHK’s commitment to carbon management, supported by the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge, which aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals to reduce absolute emissions.
AAHK’s ESG performance was rated 75 out of 100 from S&P, reflecting strong management of environmental, social, and governance factors. Key factors that were recognised in the assessment include:
In 2024, Sustainalytics rated AAHK as “low risk” and ranked HKIA fourth among 86 airports. This recognition positioned AAHK in the top 3% of 15,000 global companies, securing its place on the 2024 list of top-rated ESG companies. Notably, AAHK was recognised for its strong GHG reduction programme.
AAHK sits on the:
Additionally, AAHK was invited to join the HKGBC’s consultancy study steering committee in 2022, providing us the opportunity to contribute insights and recommendations to the development of the HKGBC Guidebook for a Sustainable Built Environment, which was released in December 2023.
Recognising the challenges of adopting SAF in the Asia Pacific, we joined HKSAFC, which promotes SAF adoption by uniting stakeholders for collaboration, advocacy, and research, while working with policymakers to enhance sustainability in aviation.
