On 7 September 2024, the launch ceremony for the paint application community project was successfully held at The Bridge+ Living Art Space in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. Our esteemed Vice President (Community Engagement), Prof. CHAN Chi Hou, together with the Dean of the School of Energy and Environment (SEE), Prof. Kenneth LEUNG and Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach), Prof. Edwin TSO participated in this ceremony. They were joined by representatives from various sectors, including community organizations, volunteers from the business community and local residents.

This project is part of the “Cool Down for a Better Summer (蔭涼益夏)” campaign, co-organized by Sanskrit, i2Cool Limited, and the Shero Initiative. Its goal is to enhance the comfort of public communities living in high-temperature environments through the application of innovative electricity-free cooling paint, known as iPaint. This patented product, originated from the research team led by Prof. Edwin Tso in SEE, has been commercialized via the startup i2Cool Limited. With strong support from the University Grants Committee (UGC), the Research Grants Council (RGC), the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), HK Tech 300, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), InvestHK, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this technology has been successfully launched and implemented in more than 20 countries/regions in the global market such as Hong Kong, mainland China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Following the launch ceremony, guests and volunteer teams distributed electricity-free cooling textile souvenirs from i2Cool Limited to 48 households in the three residential buildings involved in the painting project, conveying care for the residents. They also participated in the application of iPaint on the rooftops. The project is expected to have a significant environmental impact, saving 7,000 kWh of energy per year and reducing carbon emissions by 2,730 kg annually. This is equivalent to planting 119 trees, highlighting the commitment to sustainability and the positive influence of innovative solutions on the community.

This initiative aligns with broader policy goals such as Hong Kong’s “HK 2050” vision and China’s “2030/2060 Dual Carbon” targets, which aim for carbon neutrality and substantial reductions in carbon emissions. Integrating such projects contributes to these ambitious objectives, supporting global efforts towards a more sustainable future. Looking ahead, the “Cool Down for a Better Summer” campaign will continue to extend the reach of this electricity-free cooling technology to regions such as Sichun, Hubei, Xinjiang, as well as overseas areas such as India and Southeast Asia. Hoping to foster a more sustainable and resilient living environment for the communities in need while actively contributing to the global climate challenge.