In pursuit of continuous improvements to our energy performance, Swire Properties performed technical upgrades at all our properties this year.

We installed variable speed drives in three condenser water pumps at the mall to make the pumps more energy efficient. These drives convert the constant condenser water flow system to a variable flow system, reducing pump energy consumption by more than 30% and saving approximately 140,000kWh of electricity annually.

This year, we replaced a chiller at Taikoo Hui Guangzhou with a 700TR oil-free chiller and replaced another chiller at HKRI Taikoo Hui with a 300TR oil-free chiller. These cater to part load conditions and improve operational efficiency. Estimated annual electricity savings are about 150,000kWh at Taikoo Hui Guangzhou and about 340,000kWh at HKRI Taikoo Hui.

In 2023, Taikoo Li Qiantan installed photo sensors and new optimisation system for outdoor lighting control that is based on daylight and sunset times. This is expected to save about 86,000kWh per year. Meanwhile, HKRI Taikoo Hui replaced over 3,000 fluorescent lamps with LED bulbs with a lifespan of about 50,000 hours, saving repair costs and creating energy savings of about 150,000kWh per year.

Electrically commutated (“EC”) plug fans were installed in five PAUs and 16 AHUs in Tower 1 at Taikoo Hui Guangzhou, creating estimated energy savings of 100,000kWh per year.

Beginning in early 2024, 15 traditional air handling unit (“AHU”) centrifugal fans will be replaced with advanced EC plug fans, improving their efficiency by 20% to 30%.

Energy valves were installed at specific shops in the malls along with risers to enhance flow control and temperature control in chilled water. The valves will also gather performance data on the chilled water system for analysis and verification, ultimately improving the system’s energy performance.

Variable speed drives were installed in two chilled water pumps in the low chilled water zone, creating a new type of differential pressure control that will optimise the pumping system’s energy consumption. The estimated energy savings are 52,000kWh per year.

We replaced older timer controls with variable frequency drives in kitchen exhaust fans, allowing the fans to be operated at lower speeds during restaurants’ non-peak hours. This will reduce energy consumption by an estimated 157,000kWh per year.

Two mall escalators were modernised after being in service for 30 years. Both now have efficient drives and dual speed operation, whereby the escalators run slower when no passengers are present.

A water-based aerosolised sealant made from vinyl acetate polymer was used to seal AHU supply air ducts at Cityplaza, reducing air leakage and energy usage and leading to estimated energy savings of 16% in associated fan energy.

A total of 602m of existing hotel guest room window neon lighting was replaced by LED lighting this year. LED lights consume far less energy than neon lighting, resulting in an annual savings of 44,300kWh in Phase 1 of the project.

In mid-July, the hotel acquired a new electric car for airport transfers, car hire and drop-off services. The new car will reduce transportation expenses and carbon emissions and will help promote our SD strategy among high-profile guests.