HK Coliseum roof coated to enhance energy efficiency

Adelyn Lau

The rooftop of the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom has been coated with a cooling material to enhance energy efficiency ahead of the National Games scheduled for November next year, according to Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan.

Eight events will take place at six venues across Hong Kong, with the Coliseum serving as a key location.

Tse said the cooling coating is projected to lower the Coliseum's average temperature to 24 degrees Celsius, resulting in an annual savings of about 300,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity - equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by about 150 tonnes.

This electricity-free cooling technology, patented by i2Cool - a company established in 2021 by the energy and environment school at City University - can be applied to roofs and exterior walls to effectively lower indoor temperatures without electricity.

Tse personally visited the Coliseum's rooftop and observed a significant temperature difference between the coated area and other sections.

The coating covers about 9,700 square meters of the rooftop and its side walls.

In addition to energy savings, the coating will extend the lifespan of the waterproof layer on the rooftop and lower maintenance costs by minimizing temperature fluctuations.

Tse said in the coming year, the authority will monitor indoor temperature and air conditioning energy consumption, review test results and evaluate cost-effectiveness.

"If the results are positive, we will consider promoting this technology for broader application, particularly in newly constructed or renovated public facilities," he added.

The Environment and Ecology Bureau is also assisting i2Cool in identifying local sites for establishing production lines that convert recycled materials - such as tiles, ceramics and glass - into high-value raw materials for electricity-free cooling products.

Since the launch of its green tech fund in 2020, the bureau has supported 33 local projects from universities, public research institutions and private enterprises, investing around HK$147 million.

Also, Tse said the SAR is exploring policies to attract companies focused on developing green technologies, aiming to establish Hong Kong as a hub for showcasing such innovations.

adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com