AIRSIDE honoured at ASHRAE Technology Awards

Working closely with Nan Fung Group, Arup played a pivotal role in transforming the former airport site into a people-oriented, inclusive, and socially vibrant community. Our integrated engineering solutions - spanning planning, structure, façade, traffic, sustainability, fire, digital, electrical and mechanical, geotechnics, and civil engineering ‒ was key to bringing this visionary development to life.

As the first commercial building in Hong Kong connected to a district cooling system, AIRSIDE achieved a remarkable 20% energy saving compared to conventional individual water-cooled air-conditioning systems using cooling towers. 

To further enhance efficiency, we integrated carbon dioxide sensors for demand-controlled fresh air and low-powered DC fan coil units in retail areas. Notably, AIRSIDE is one of the first large-scale commercial projects in Hong Kong to use variable air volume (VAV) boxes for fresh air control in each tenant retail unit. 

These innovations contribute to further electricity savings of 450,000kWh/year from primary air unit fans and 810,000kWh/year from the district cooling system. Together these savings are equivalent to an annual reduction of approximately 700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

AIRSIDE also houses one of the largest photovoltaic farms among commercial buildings in Hong Kong. Its 1,350m² solar panels generate 270,000 kWh/year, equivalent to the monthly electricity use of 700 residential flats.

To enhance occupant health, comfort, and productivity, AIRSIDE’s air conditioning systems are equipped with advanced, high-efficiency filters and UV lamps to purify indoor air. IAQ sensors continuously monitor air quality and publicly display real-time data, enabling occupants to make informed decisions about their indoor environment and wellbeing.

To support long-term asset and carbon management, Neuron, our integrated building digitalisation platform, consolidates essential operation and management data and enables tenants to monitor and report their carbon footprint, fostering transparency and continuous improvement. 

The automatic refuse collection system weighs and sorts general waste and recyclables and includes a tenant identification system. Tenants can track their waste disposal data and devise carbon reduction plans accordingly. 

Furthermore, a dedicated food waste decomposer also helps manage food waste from F&B outlets, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable operation. 

The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognise outstanding achievements by ASHRAE members who have successfully applied innovative building designs. Their designs incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality and serve to communicate innovative systems design.