In the National Games, Hong Kong has a model of a green mega event

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In the National Games, Hong Kong has a model of a green mega event

2025-12-01

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(30 Nov 2025, SCMP) As the 15th National Games draw to a close, Hong Kong celebrates not only the outstanding achievements of its athletes but also the success of staging a truly “clean and green” mega event. The games embodied sustainability from the outset.

Jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, the games followed the guiding concept of minimising waste and emissions. Hong Kong staged eight events in venues such as the Hong Kong Coliseum, Victoria Park and Fanling golf course. Crucially, the organising committee opted against building a new stadium, instead retrofitting existing facilities to avoid the emissions associated with new construction, which is estimated to have reduced energy consumption by 40 per cent. Renewable energy utilisation also tripled through advanced storage systems.

In line with the Hong Kong government’s Guidelines to the Public for Low‑Carbon Actions, several innovative practices were introduced.

“Electricity‑free cooling” coating was applied to 9,700 square metres of rooftop and roof wall surfaces at the Hong Kong Coliseum, natural lighting was maximised at the Velodrome, and a hydrogen fuel cell generator was deployed at Fanling to showcase a cleaner alternative to diesel. Collectively, these initiatives exemplified the “Green National Games”.

Waste reduction was another priority. Recycling bins were widely distributed across venues, lowering disposal volumes and associated emissions.

Hong Kong’s efforts were complemented by innovations in other host cities. Solar panels installed at certain venues will later supply community facilities, biodegradable cups will be turned into compostable materials and the compost produced used as fertiliser, and mascots were crafted from ocean plastic collected during beach clean-ups across 14 cities. Together, the hosts demonstrated how mega events can advance sustainability, following precedents set by the two previous Olympics.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong must build on this foundation, such as by expanding the use of energy-efficient devices, renewable sources and hydrogen fuel cells.

Green mega events also play a vital role in advancing the circular economy. To capitalise on the National Games success, sustainability should become a vetting criterion for Hong Kong’s mega-event fund, incorporating the principles of “reduction, audit, offset”. They encourage event organisers to reduce waste and emissions whenever possible in the planning stage, conduct an audit before and after the event, and offset the emissions whenever possible.

The saying “clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” was vividly demonstrated at the 15th National Games. Similarly, the waste reduction targets outlined in the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 should not be simply words on paper, but a clear promise by our government to safeguard the city’s sustainability.

Rico Wong, executive director, The Green Earth

South China Morning Post, In the National Games, Hong Kong has a model of a green mega event