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A Remarkable Year of Environmental Excellence
As 2025 draws to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on a year of incredible progress on our journey to become the World's Greenest Airport. Together with our business partners, we have successfully translated established goals into tangible achievements, from pioneering new low-carbon solutions to championing the rich biodiversity of Hong Kong's western waters. Let's look back at the highlights and our recent progress:
- Renewable Diesel scale-up – Following a successful one-year pilot, the airport community is taking a major step forward by scaling up the use of this low-carbon fuel across Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
- HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Programme – We proudly concluded our first three-year programme in partnership with the Business Environment Council. The next phase will feature four events and an accredited training course annually. We look forward to sharing more details soon.
- HKIA Greenovation Fund – The Fund has become a powerful catalyst for innovative pilots. Since 2022, the Fund has granted approximately HK$6.7 million to ten projects led by our business partners. The Fund has been extended through the 2026/27 fiscal year.
- HKIA Biodiversity Series Plush Toys – Building on the popularity for our biodiversity exhibitions and eco-tours, an exclusive collection of plush toy keychains designed by local artist DinDong are now available at HKairportShop.com! All proceeds are donated to the Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund and the Fisheries Enhancement Fund.
- “Recycle to Empower” campaign – In partnership with Friends of the Earth, the Campaign encourages the airport community to donate clean sportswear, supporting and empowering underprivileged youth through reuse and recycling.
- Awards & recognitions – We are pleased to share our recent achievements which showcase Airport Authority Hong Kong's (AAHK) sustainability leadership:
- Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) – HKIA maintained Level 4 in the ACA programme which acknowledges effective carbon management towards net zero carbon and the HKIA 2035 midpoint target and recognises AAHK’s engagement with business partners to reduce emissions.
- Green Building Award 2025 – The Sky Bridge Project earned a Special Citation on Green Financing, recognising AAHK’s contributions to decarbonisation via green financing. This honour also accredited AAHK as a regional leader in sustainable finance innovation, demonstrating how major infrastructure projects can spearhead the transition to a low-carbon future.
- LEED Final Gold Rating – HKIA Tower Two obtained Final Gold rating under LEED v4 (Building Design and Construction) in November 2025, after obtaining Final Gold rating under BEAM Plus New Building v1.2 in May 2024.
- Sing Tao News Corporation and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2025 – Five awards received in recognition of our excellent environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
- TVB ESG Awards 2025 – Outstanding ESG Award, Best in ESG Practices, Best in ESG Report and ESG Environmental Innovative Technology Award.
- HKQAA Hong Kong Green and Sustainable Finance Awards 2025 – Outstanding Award for Excellent ESG Disclosure Contribution.
- 2025 International ESG Annual Awards of Hong Kong – Best ESG and Dual Carbon Practice Award.
These achievements truly showcase our commitment to sustainable development and highlight the collaborative goals we share with our business partners. We look forward to continuing this momentum on exciting new projects in 2026.
Peter Lee
Chief Sustainability Officer
Airport Authority Hong Kong
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Cathay Dining’s New Warewash System with Inbound Food Waste Segregation
Q&A with Shirley Tsui, Assistant Sustainable Development Manager, Cathay Subsidiary Services
Q: Cathay Dining is now the first airline caterer in Hong Kong to recycle inbound food waste. What motivated Cathay Dining to introduce this newly redesigned warewash system and workflow?
A: Cathay Dining's commitment to sustainability is exemplified by integrating sustainable practices into our operational processes. We recognise the environmental impacts associated with inbound flights, prompting us to embed sustainability considerations into our business strategy and operational planning from the inception of the warewash system upgrade project.
As customer preferences shift toward sustainability, such as the growing trend of switching from single-use to reusable containers, it has become necessary for us to introduce new systems and solutions that future-proof our operations. In response, while upgrading our warewash system, we added a stripping conveyor belt to enable the recycling of inbound food waste. This demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and differentiates our services from those of other industry peers.
Q: The new system promises energy savings, water conservation and food waste segregation. Can you walk us through how it manages all these at once?
A: Along with the hardware replacement, we redesigned the operational workflow to separate the stripping and washing processes. The washers operates only when the equipment reaches a pre-defined threshold to minimise unnecessary operation. The new system is estimated to achieve over a 20% increase in machine utilisation, reduce electricity consumption by up to 70%, and save nearly 60% of water compared to the old system.
Additionally, we specifically designed a double-decker stripping conveyor belt and compactors to separate food waste from mixed inbound waste. The customised facility has boosted our food waste recycling capacity by 200%. The collected food waste is sent to O·PARK, where it is used for biogas production to generate electricity.
Q: How does this fit into Cathay Dining’s bigger sustainability picture?
A: This significant investment underscores Cathay Dining’s dedication to sustainability and operational excellence, demonstrating a holistic approach that benefits our team and customers while addressing the environmental impacts associated with our operations. While this project is a pivotal step toward meeting our sustainability targets of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reducing waste to landfill, we also aim to set a benchmark for the inflight dining industry, striving for operational excellence and sustainability simultaneously through innovative solutions and a proactive approach.
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Key Takeaways from COP30
The 30th United Nation Climate Change Conference (COP30) was held in Belém from 10 to 22 November. Positioned as the “COP of implementation and adaptation”,1 it focused on accelerating the delivery of past efforts and putting existing commitment into action. After intense negotiations, 195 parties adopted the Belém Package with 29 decisions approved by consensus.2 Here are some key highlights from COP30:
- Fossil Fuel Transition – Despite strong support from over 80 countries, COP30 did not agree on a formal roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. Instead, the Presidency will lead on two voluntary roadmaps to accelerate a transition away from fossil fuels and deforestation.2,3,4
- New Implementation Mechanisms – Introduced the “Global Implementation Accelerator” and “Belém Mission to 1.5°C” to support countries in implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
- Climate Finance – The final adopted document calls for tripling adaptation finance by 2035 and mobilising at least $1.3 trillion annually for climate action by that year. Developed countries are urged to increase support for developing nations to strengthen resilience.
- Just Transition Mechanism – A new mechanism to promote equity, technical assistance, and capacity-building, ensuring workers and vulnerable communities are protected during the shift to low-carbon economies.2
- Tropical Forests Forever Facility – A new international fund was launched to protect forests and at least 20% of resources go directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.3
COP30 reaffirmed progress but underscored urgency: limiting warming to 1.5°C demands deep, rapid emissions cuts. For businesses, this is a clear signal—climate action is no longer optional; it’s operational. Companies should start assessing risks and embedding resilience across their value chains.
References:
1. Without adaptation, climate change becomes a multiplier of poverty, says COP30 President in new letter
2. COP30 approves Belém Package
3. Belém COP30 delivers climate finance boost and a pledge to plan fossil fuel transition
4. COP30: Momentum is Unstoppable – Business at the Heart of Accelerated Implementation | WBCSD
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Cathay and Airbus partnered to scale SAF adoption
Cathay Group and Airbus have announced a joint investment agreement of up to US$70 million (HK$545 million) to accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in Asia and globally. This partnership, unveiled during the World Sustainability Symposium held by International Air Transport Association in Hong Kong, will focus on identifying and investing in commercially viable projects to scale SAF availability toward 2030 and beyond. This collaboration also includes advocacy for supportive SAF policies on both the supply and demand side across Asia, leveraging their global experience to make SAF more accessible and affordable.
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HAECO won Grand Award at CLP Smart Energy Award 2025
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) has recently received Sustainable Carbon Neutral Award – Grand Award in the Industrial category at the CLP Smart Energy Award 2025. The award recognised its excellent resources and environmental management strategies, adoption of innovative technology and commendable efforts in stakeholder engagement. HAECO incorporates sustainable development into its operations and set ambitious targets on carbon reduction, water consumption and waste management. HAECO is committed to exploring innovative solutions further, including solar photovoltaic system expansion, progressive fleet electrification and implementation of pioneering carbon reduction technology, such as nano-filters and grander water improvement system in chillers.
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Hactl Think Park achieves BEAM Plus Platinum rating
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has been awarded Platinum rating under BEAM Plus Interiors v2.0 assessment for the upgrade of its learning and development centre “Hactl Think Park” at SuperTerminal 1 North Office Block. This facility provides a multifunctional space for workshops and seminars; an experiential platform that blends visuals, information and interactive digital features; and six multi-function classrooms to accommodate professional training sessions. “Hactl Think Park” features several eco-friendly innovations, including Ecolabel-certified green cleaning products, high efficiency Fan Coil Units, LED lighting, Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme Grade 1 labelled water taps, and extensive use of upcycled materials.
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AAHK shared insights on advancing SAF
AAHK recently participated in a panel discussion titled “Strategies for Decarbonising Aviation Towards Sustainable Skies”, co-organised by Business Environmental Council and The European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Peter Lee, Chief Sustainability Officer of AAHK, presented the approach to reduce carbon emissions at the airport and policy updates related to SAF with fellow participants. At the panel discussion, Peter highlighted the evolving role of airports in supporting SAF adoption and emphasising the need for collaboration across the supply chain and with the government.
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| We are eager to share and showcase environmental and sustainability practices. Please contact Jimmy Liu to discuss your ideas. |
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