Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan E(1), Chan E(1) & Yip A(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Cluster Facility Management, Kowloon West Cluster, Hospital Authority
Keyword 1: :
Carbon neutrality
Keyword 2: :
Low carbon hospitals
Keyword 3: :
Energy management
Keyword 4: :
Sustainable healthcare
Keyword 5: :
Green hospital governance
Keyword 6: :
Climate change and public health
Introduction :
Climate change poses a growing threat to public health, and hospitals are among the most energy‑intensive public facilities. In support of the HKSAR Government’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050 and the Hospital Authority’s sustainability direction, Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) has embarked on a structured and long‑term journey to develop low carbon hospitals while maintaining service quality and supporting operational growth.
Objectives :
Aims to (1) reduce carbon emissions and electricity consumption across KWC hospitals; (2) decouple healthcare service expansion from energy growth; and (3) establish a scalable governance and operational model for low carbon hospital development applicable across the healthcare sector.
Methodology :
A comprehensive governance framework has been established, comprising the KWC Green Management Committee, Energy Management Workgroup, and Green Council, to oversee planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Annual carbon audits and energy benchmarking have been conducted across hospitals to identify opportunities for improvement. A multi‑pronged strategy has been adopted, including upstream facility and administrative controls, green procurement, downstream waste management, and staff education. Major initiatives include retro‑commissioning of existing buildings; optimisation and replacement of electrical and mechanical systems; deployment of smart energy management and monitoring systems; incorporation of energy-efficient and renewable installations in new and redeveloped hospitals; and collaboration with external partners on recycling and food waste reduction. Staff engagement has been strengthened through the KWC Green Council, the Green Ambassador Programme with over 200 appointed ambassadors, and regular green activities.
Result & Outcome :
From financial years 2015/16 to 2024/25, KWC achieved cumulative electricity savings of 29 million kWh, equivalent to 18% of baseline consumption. Despite operational pressures that could have increased electricity consumption by approximately 21%, actual growth was limited to only 3%. Recycling initiatives diverted over 474 000 kg of waste from landfills in 2024. The energy‑saving and sustainability efforts of KWC have received multiple external awards and public recognition, demonstrating their effectiveness. Importantly, KWC’s experience has demonstrated that service expansion can be effectively decoupled from energy growth, providing a practical and replicable blueprint for low carbon hospital development.
