As our capacity to generate renewable energy at our properties increases, there is a growing need to explore more efficient ways to utilise the energy produced. Most of our on-site renewable energy comes from photovoltaic systems, which supply direct current (“DC”). By increasing on-site DC equipment and using a power distribution system which runs on DC instead of alternating current (“AC”), it is possible to reduce the energy losses incurred when converting between AC and DC.

A DC-operated battery storage system also adds flexibility to a building’s power demand control and maximises the capture of variable grid-provided solar and wind power supply. An integrated Photovoltaics, Energy Storage, Direct Current and Flexible Power System (PEDF) can reduce energy consumption by 5-10%. PEDFs are also being promoted by the Chinese government to accelerate the optimisation of building energy consumption.

Funded by the Swire Pacific SD Fund, Swire Properties is piloting a PEDF solution at Building N15 and the RED at Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing. On-site implementation work was completed in mid-2023 and the system performance is now being evaluated. A PEDF connection hub and two bi-directional electric vehicle chargers will be installed in the development’s basement car park in early 2024. Significant energy savings are anticipated, which will eventually result in cost savings to tenants and lower carbon emissions, providing further support to the SD initiatives of both the Company and the government.

The pilot required extensive negotiations and liaisons with our piloting tenants, as well as a detailed study to persuade and convince them of the reliability, stability and sustainability benefits of the technology. This project was the only commercial PEDF application to receive a “Top 10 Building PEDF Best Practices” award from the Committee of Photovoltaic Energy Storage Direct Current and Flexibility, part of the China Association of Building Energy Efficiency. This was given at the First China PEDF Conference held in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia in July 2023. After the conference, Hong Kong government representatives visited Taikoo Li Sanlitun to learn more about our PEDF application.

Over the past decade and a half, Swire Properties has partnered with Tsinghua University in running the Joint Research Centre for Building Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. Together, we have conducted pioneering research into SD methods and technologies, developing and testing new methods to increase energy efficiency and improve environmental performance in our projects – work that is changing our industry and the perception of sustainability.

In 2023, we renewed our collaboration for the third time, with Swire Properties committing to investing RMB15 million into the Centre. This continued partnership will generate substantial energy savings and allow us to share innovative ideas and practices with our employees, business partners, industry peers and other researchers.

Currently, the Centre is working to push the boundaries of traditional building management by developing new AI technologies, improving indoor air quality control measures, increasing the generation and use of renewable energy, and other measures to make our portfolios even more energy efficient and sustainable.