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A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF
DEEP RETROFIT AND LOW-CARBON
STRATEGIES FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
IN HONG KONG: FEASIBILITY AND
ECONOMIC VIABILITY
Poster
CEN Qijun
BEng (Hons) in Building Services Engineering
Department of Construction, Environment and Engineering
OBJECTIVES RESEARCH BACKGROUND
• To compare the energy savings, Buildings contribute 30–40% of global energy use, making them a major source
carbon reduction potential, and of carbon emissions. In Hong Kong, buildings account for over 60% of electricity
economic viability of deep retrofitting consumption, primarily from high-rise structures. Achieving carbon neutrality
and low-carbon strategies. by 2050 requires retrofitting these buildings to enhance energy efficiency and
• To identify retrofitting technologies reduce carbon emissions. This study explores two key approaches: deep
suitable for Hong Kong’s dense retrofits involving structural and system upgrades (e.g., HVAC replacements
urban environment. and renewable energy integration) and low-carbon strategies focused on
• To provide insights into overcoming operational improvements (e.g., energy management systems). The research
challenges such as space constraints, evaluates their feasibility and economic viability to address Hong Kong’s unique
cost barriers, and stakeholder urban challenges.
resistance.
• To recommend retrofitting strategies METHODOLOGY
that align with Hong Kong’s carbon
neutrality goals by 2050. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from global
case studies and qualitative insights from academic literature. Key metrics include
energy savings, carbon reduction potential, and economic viability. Data sources include
technical reports, peer-reviewed journals, and government publications. Technologies
such as advanced HVAC systems, regenerative braking, and hybrid elevator systems
were analyzed. Performance indicators like payback periods, net present value (NPV),
and return on investment (ROI) were used to assess the viability of retrofitting strategies
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR in Hong Kong’s high-rise, space-constrained urban environment.
I am passionate about sustainable FINDINGS
engineering and energy efficiency in
urban environments. My career goal is The results highlight that deep retrofits achieve higher energy savings (20–70%)
to contribute to innovative solutions and carbon reductions but involve higher costs and longer payback periods
for reducing carbon emissions in the (15–20 years). Low-carbon strategies, such as regenerative braking systems
building sector. I aim to specialize in and energy management technologies, offer moderate savings (30–40%) with
green technologies and policy-making shorter payback periods (6.7–10 years). Technologies like machine room-less
to drive large-scale environmental elevators, hybrid systems, and advanced HVAC units are particularly suited to
improvements. My FYP supervisor is Hong Kong’s dense urban setting. Challenges such as high upfront costs and
Ms Hilda MAK. space limitations require tailored solutions, including compact technologies and
government incentives. The findings emphasize the need for balancing short-
term affordability with long-term sustainability to meet carbon neutrality targets.
03 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025
