HONG KONG, Jun 2, 2023 – Today, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) held a launch ceremony to announce the first car park solar canopy project in Hong Kong. To date, the largest solar energy generation system in Hong Kong is installed at HKDL, with a capacity of 3,050 kW comprised of over 7,500 monocrystalline solar panels positioned mainly on the rooftops of over 40 buildings. The ceremony signifies a new chapter and key milestone for HKDL, paving the way to further expand the resort’s solar panel system.
The 200kW solar canopy will be installed on top of HKDL’s Team Disney car park for cast members’ use and will generate over 200,000 kWh of electricity annually. Featuring more than 400 panels, it will provide shelter for 80 parking spaces and will be completed by the end of 2023.
Officiating the ceremony was Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. “To promote the development of renewable energy, facilitation measures on the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in open car parks by the private sector were introduced. HKDL’s staff car park solar canopy project is the first project which has obtained our policy support and been activated. We are pleased to see HKDL’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the use of renewable energy for decarbonization. We look forward to commercial and industrial sectors, and every one of us in the community, supporting the transformation towards becoming a low carbon city and joining hands to make Hong Kong a greener and more sustainable city,” said Tse.
Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said, “At HKDL, we are not only committed to creating magical experiences, but also to fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for all. The solar canopy project is an important part of our ongoing commitment to taking action for our planet.”
The solar canopy project is just one of many solar power-related initiatives launched by HKDL. These include installing over 7,500 solar panels in 47 locations throughout the resort, generating over 3.3 million kWh of electricity annually, and providing enough energy to power more than 1,000 three-person households, making HKDL the largest single solar panel site in Hong Kong. The resort is also implementing smart technology, such as cloud data accessibility via app and real-time performance monitoring of each panel, to maximize the yield of each solar panel. These are all part of our commitment to a healthier planet that we call Disney Planet Possible.
The resort’s solar panel system has received recognition from both the government and the energy industry, including the “Solar Photovoltaic System Installation Role Model” and “Best Materials” awards from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in 2019, and the “Smart Energy Award – Renewable Energy” from China Light and Power Company (CLP) in 2020.
“Reducing our environmental impact is a key priority for HKDL, and we are constantly looking for ways to innovate and incorporate sustainable practices into our operations,” said Moriarty. “We are proud to be a leader in environmental sustainability in the community and hope to inspire others to follow our lead.”
Around 50 secondary school students and senior citizens were invited to join the event as part of the resort’s environmental education initiatives.
Other resort environmental initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and a waste-reduction campaign. The park also received three new accolades from the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence 2021 for its efforts. To learn more about the company’s efforts to support a healthier planet, visit DisneyPlanetPossible.com.
HKDL’s green features
New water storage tank
• A new moat water storage tank has been purposefully designed and built for the Castle of Magical Dreams
• Conserving water by temporarily holding the water drained from the moat surrounding the castle during maintenance
Expanding LED lights application
• Replacing all conventional lighting with LEDs
• Switching out more than 75% of its lighting system to LEDs so far, saving even more electricity
Reduction of single-use plastic
• Launching a new line of reusable bags as an alternative to plastic bags in order to minimize the use of single-use plastic
• Refillable containers for bathroom amenities
• No plastic packaging for slippers and bathrobes
• Replacement of plastic to-go containers and cutlery with wooden or other environmentally friendly materials
Energy conservation
• Smart technology and sensors to control air conditioning in guest rooms, including an energy-saving mode for unoccupied rooms
Horticulture tours
• Showcasing park’s natural spaces to guests and underserved kids during Earth Month
• Tours led by Disney VoluntEARs with special training to educate children on the importance of caring for planet Earth
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About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable, culturally distinctive Disney experiences for guests of all ages and nationalities. Filled with your favorite Disney stories and characters, Hong Kong Disneyland offers guests the opportunity to explore seven diverse lands that are home to award-winning, unique attractions and entertainment. Complete your adventure with stays at the resort’s luxurious Disney hotels. The magic doesn’t end at our doorstep; as a dedicated member of the local community that cares deeply about societal wellbeing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort spreads its magic through community service programs that help families in need, boost creativity among children and families, encourage the protection of the environment and inspire healthier living.
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The Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app keeps guests informed of all the excitement at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, from operating hours to entertainment schedules. Reserve your park visit and get Disney Standby Pass to meet Disney friends inside the park. Use the GPS-enabled map to find your way around the park or make reservations for park and hotel restaurants, and make every moment count with wait times for each attraction. Magic Access members can also view block-out calendars and membership privileges, designed to make your visit even more magical.
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