Hong Kong Disneyland reaches new environmental milestones

Taking place on every 22nd of April, Earth Day is a global campaign that reminds people around the world about the urgency and importance of taking concrete actions to support planet Earth. In celebration of the upcoming Earth Day, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) announced that it had reached several new milestones in its efforts to achieve greener operations and protect the environment.

HKDL aims to fulfil its commitment to sustainable development by taking meaningful environmental and conservation actions that will make long-term differences in the lives of future generations. The resort’s efforts revolve around emissions reduction, energy and water conservation, and waste minimisation – all of which are important priorities under the “Disney Planet Possible” initiative spearheaded by The Walt Disney Company, and which have earned HKDL recognition from local stakeholders as well as the wider community.

Recognition of environmental initiatives

HKDL has received numerous awards for its environmental efforts over the years. The park recently added three new accolades to that list when the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence 2021 (HKAEE) programme named Hong Kong Disneyland the winner of the Silver Award in the “Public & Community Services Sector” category; and Disney Explorers Lodge and Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel the recipients of the Silver Award and Certificate of Merit, respectively, in the “Hotels & Recreational Clubs Sector” category.

Winning these awards in the first year of HKDL theme park’s participation in the HKAEE is not only a celebration of the resort’s green initiatives, but also an endorsement of the environmental direction it has taken.

Largest single solar panel site in Hong Kong

As part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, HKDL has continued to expand its solar panel system by adding 2,300 panels in the fiscal year of 2022 - 2023. Already the largest single solar panel site in Hong Kong, the system now covers over 7,500 panels spread across 47 locations throughout the resort. It is estimated that these panels together generate over 3.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which can power over 1,000 three-person households. 

In parallel, HKDL has also upgraded its solar panel system by adopting smart technology and optimisers. The performance of each panel is monitored in real-time with data uploaded onto the cloud, enabling access around the clock via mobile app. Meanwhile, optimisers have been installed to maximise the yield of each panel. These enhancements have ensured the system’s reliability and boosted its output.

The resort’s efforts in developing and using renewable energy have been recognised by both the Government and the business community. Following its launch in 2018, the solar panel system has taken home many awards, including the “Solar Photovoltaic System Installation Role Model” award from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and the “Smart Energy Award – Renewable Energy” from CLP.

One-of-a-kind EV chargers

Replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) can improve roadside air quality and reduce carbon emissions, which is crucial to the wellbeing of the community and the long-term sustainability of the planet. The HKSAR government has launched a comprehensive campaign to popularise EVs; making charging stations widely available is an important part of this plan.

HKDL is keen to support this important policy initiative. This is why the resort has installed more than 100 EV chargers at its car parks for guests and cast members.

Going greener

A great deal of effort goes into maintaining the resort’s attractions and facilities so that it continues to create magical moments for guests. HKDL constantly looks at ways to incorporate green features into this robust maintenance regime. Hotel guests at HKDL might come across the following environmental features that have been incorporated into the hotels’ operations.

HKDL’s green features

New water tank storage
- A new moat water storage tank has been purposely designed and built for the Castle of Magical Dreams
- Conserves water by temporarily holding the water drained from the moat surrounding the castle during maintenance

Energy conservation 
- Smart technology and sensors to control air conditioning in guest rooms, including an energy-saving mode for occupied rooms

Reduction of single-use plastic 
- Refillable containers for bathroom amenities
- No plastic packaging for slippers and bathrobes
- Replacement of plastic for to-go containers and cutlery with wood or other environmentally friendly materials

Horticulture tour - Let SEN children enjoy nature
- To showcase the park’s green spaces to different guests, HKDL will host guided horticulture park tours in April and May for around 100 pax SEN children and their families
- The tours will be led by Disney VoluntEARs with special training by HKDL's horticulture team and Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, the tours will introduce the park’s gorgeous horticultural features and impart to children the importance of caring for our planet earth

Expanded LED lights application
- Replacing all conventional lighting with LEDs
- The resort has switched over 75% of its lighting system to LEDs so far, saving even more electricity in the process

Minimizing plastic use

As it continues to develop new environmental initiatives and incorporate them into its operations, HKDL also believes in the importance of encouraging guests to adopt behaviours that can help protect the planet.

For those who want to bring the magic of Disney into their home or share it with friends, HKDL has launched a new line of reusable bags as an alternative to plastic bags in order to minimise the use of single-use plastic – a goal shared by Disney parks around the world under the direction of The Walt Disney Company. The designs of these new reusable bags feature adorable Duffy and friends and Mickey Mouse motifs, providing a lovely and more sustainable choice than plastic bags.

As Walt Disney said, “Conservation isn’t just the business of a few people – it’s a matter that concerns all of us.” As part of an ongoing team effort to identify opportunities and take measurable actions, HKDL says it will remain steadfast in engaging its stakeholders and the wider community to ensure a greener planet for future generations to enjoy.