With support from the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Architectural Services Department of Hong Kong, i2Cool successfully applied its passive radiative cooling paint to the rooftop of the Hong Kong Coliseum.
Discover the sustainable impact of this project, the science behind i2Cool's cooling paint, and how i2Cool is driving the green transition with its innovative, electricity-free cooling solutions in Hong Kong and beyond for a sustainable future.
1. Energy Savings and Sustainability: i2Cool's Electricity-free Cooling Paint at the Hong Kong Coliseum
Energy Savings and Sustainability
Recently, i2Cool's electricity-free cooling paint was applied to the rooftop and side walls of the Hong Kong Coliseum across 9,700 square meters for sustainable event operations. This application is expected to lower surface temperatures by an average of 24°C in summer, enhancing indoor comfort and saving approximately 300,000 kWh of electricity annually—equivalent to reducing 150 tons of carbon emissions.
This initiative, supported by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and by the Architectural Services Department of Hong Kong, aligns with the environmental goals of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Paralympic Games, and the 9th Special Olympics, demonstrating a commitment to green, low-carbon, and eco-friendly event management.
Mr. Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of Hong Kong, visited the Hong Kong Coliseum and highlighted the energy-saving impact of this project.
Professor Edwin TSO, Co-Founder of i2Cool, along with Professor Martin ZHU, CEO and Co-Founder of i2Cool, meet with Mr. Tse Chin-wan on the rooftop of the Hong Kong Coliseum to discuss project developments
Professor Martin ZHU, CEO and Co-Founder of i2Cool, presents cooling data to Mr. Tse Chin-wan
The Hong Kong Coliseum: A Landmark of History and Culture
The Hong Kong Coliseum, commonly known as the "Hung Hom Coliseum", has been an iconic symbol of Hong Kong's popular culture since its opening in 1983. Countless famous singers and bands have performed there, and the stage has witnessed numerous peak moments in Hong Kong's music history. It holds the collective memories of generations of citizens and remains an irreplaceable cultural symbol of Hong Kong.
In addition, the Hong Kong Coliseum is also a major venue for sports events. The 15th National Games marks Hong Kong's first time co-hosting the event with Macao and Guangzhou, with the Coliseum playing a key role in hosting the competition.
The application of i2Cool's electricity-free cooling paint will provide a green, low-carbon environment for the Coliseum's sustainable operations, promoting long-term development in environmental protection and energy conservation for the venue.
Inside the Hong Kong Coliseum, during the FIVB World Grand Prix
Addressing Carbon Emissions through Sustainable Building and Technology Solutions
As global climate change intensifies, the building sector remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of total energy consumption worldwide. In densely populated cities like Hong Kong, where the building-dominated landscape drives high energy consumption, the challenges are magnified, especially during the summer months when cooling systems are in overdrive.
In pursuit of a sustainable future, Hong Kong has set ambitious carbon neutrality goals for 2050. The Climate Action Plan 2050, released by the Hong Kong government, outlines four key decarbonisation strategies: achieving net-zero electricity generation, promoting energy efficiency and green building practices, advancing green transportation solutions, and implementing effective waste reduction measures.
The application of i2Cool's cooling paint at the Hong Kong Coliseum aligns with Hong Kong's strategic goals, particularly in energy savings and green building development.
2. How i2Cool's Cooling Paint Powers Green Event Management at Hong Kong Coliseum and Contributes to Hong Kong's Green Goals
The Science Behind the Cooling Paint
Drawing inspiration from the Saharan Silver Ant, known for its ability to thrive in extreme desert heat, i2Cool developed its signature product, the electricity-free cooling paint. These ants possess a natural self-cooling mechanism that reflects sunlight and dissipates heat efficiently, enabling survival in temperatures exceeding 70°C. By studying the ant's unique skin structure and its interaction with sunlight, i2Cool's scientists from the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong replicated this mechanism to develop multi-component and multi-scale nanoparticle materials, achieving 95% solar reflectivity and mid-infrared emissivity.
How it Works
i2Cool's cooling paint leverages the principles of reflectivity and emissivity to provide an innovative electricity-free cooling solution. By reflecting more than 95% of sunlight—spanning visible, UV, and near-infrared light—this technology prevents heat absorption and lowers surface temperatures.
It is capable of converting heat into mid-infrared radiation within the range of 8 to 13 microns, which effectively penetrates the atmospheric window. This capability enhances the emission efficiency of mid-infrared radiation, significantly reduces heat absorption, and promotes the emission of thermal radiation.
The cooling paint delivers an energy-efficient solution that can cut air conditioning energy costs by 10% to 40% while boosting electricity generation by 3% to 8%. Surpassing the 90% reflectivity threshold of traditional thermal insulation coatings, it sets a benchmark for energy-efficient cooling solutions.
Its superior heat dissipation and ability to reduce surface temperatures make it an ideal solution for lowering the temperatures of building exteriors, such as the rooftop of the Hong Kong Coliseum.
Driving Green Innovation and Transition with Strategic Support
The application of the electricity-free cooling paint at Hong Kong Coliseum not only aligns with Hong Kong's climate action goals but also serves as a compelling model for other landmark buildings across the region and around the world. The success of this initiative could inspire similar projects in sports facilities, convention centers, and other public spaces, reinforcing the idea that sustainability is achievable and beneficial for urban infrastructure.
Hong Kong's Initiatives to Advance the Development and Application of Green Technology
The Hong Kong Coliseum project marks a new milestone in i2Cool's collaboration with the Hong Kong government, further advancing the company's success in government-backed initiatives. This project builds on earlier efforts in supporting green technology, while also providing a tangible demonstration of i2Cool's capabilities both in Hong Kong and internationally.
The latest Policy Address, released in October 2024, showcases the Hong Kong government's continued support for local green technology development. The Environment and Ecology Bureau supports the transformation of local waste materials into high-value products, including core materials for electricity-free cooling products and other eco-friendly solutions, which are central to the development of i2Cool's technologies.
Also in May 2024, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong SAR Government announced the inaugural results of the "Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme". i2Cool was selected as one of the first recipients, a significant recognition of its innovation. Under this program, i2Cool is leading the global commercialization of the "Climate Revolution" initiative, turning cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions that will benefit a global audience.
Professor Edwin TSO, Co-Founder of i2Cool at the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme Signing Ceremony
At COP28 in Dubai in 2023, i2Cool showcased its green innovations at the UN Climate Change Conference. Mr. Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of Hong Kong, visited i2Cool's booth and highlighted the company's commitment to sustainable development and international collaboration.
Supported by substantial government funding and various subsidy programs, i2Cool has successfully secured multiple government projects. These milestones underscore i2Cool's commitment to driving sustainable innovation and delivering impactful solutions worldwide.
i2Cool's Cooling Paint: Pioneering Cooling Solutions Across Iconic Landmarks and Industries
In addition to its application on architectural landmarks like the Hong Kong Coliseum, i2Cool's cooling paint has also been successfully applied to the rooftop of Dubai Mall, another iconic global landmark, where it performs under the extreme heat of the Middle East, enhancing energy efficiency and cooling performance.
Beyond these landmark projects, it is making a significant impact across various industries, including architecture, power and telecom, new energy, logistics, grain storage, photovoltaics and chemicals.
Such as, in the power and telecom sectors, it enhances heat dissipation and reduces maintenance costs by improving both insulation and corrosion resistance. When applied in new energy, it boosts efficiency and extends the lifespan of equipment through superior corrosion protection and weather resistance. In the logistics industry, i2Cool's cooling paint optimizes cooling systems, which in turn improves transport quality while also providing enhanced corrosion resistance. Through these diverse applications, the cooling paint drives green transformation and advances sustainability efforts across multiple industries.
The application of i2Cool's cooling paint reduced the rooftop surface temperature of Gala Place, a Hong Kong Hang Lung Group property, by 30.3°C, achieving an energy savings rate of 42%
3. About i2Cool
Founded by scientists ranked among the top 2% globally, i2Cool is at the forefront of energy-efficient cooling technologies in electricity-free cooling (i.e., passive radiative cooling) solutions. Backed by seven years of dedicated research, the i2Cool R&D team has earned recognition in the prestigious journal Science. The company has also secured patents and certifications in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and the Middle East.
At the helm of i2Cool are co-founders Professor Edwin TSO, Associate Dean of the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, and CEO Martin ZHU, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Management at the College of Business, also at the same university. Professor TSO is recognized among the top 2% of global scientists, while CEO ZHU serves as a member of the Hong Kong Green Technology and Finance Development Committee, underscoring their shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Beyond the cooling paint, i2Cool offers a diverse portfolio of cooling solutions, including films, ceramics, membranes, and textiles. These products have been deployed in over 200 projects across nearly 30 countries, with i2Cool's global expansion extending to key regions, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe.
To date, i2Cool's solutions have covered over 290,419 square meters, saving 5,298,396 kWh and reducing 4,764,795 kg carbon emissions, equivalent to planting more than 297,799 trees. These achievements underscore i2Cool's mission to create a sustainable future by revolutionizing cooling technologies.
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