BEAM Plus Platinum rating lights Hactl’s path to sustainability

Hactl has been awarded a Platinum rating, the highest level under the coveted BEAM Plus Interiors Version 1.0, for its recently-completed office refurbishment.

The rating – which applies to Hactl’s refurbished offices on 4/F to 6/F, East Wing, North Office Block, SuperTerminal 1 – was granted following a tough two-year assessment. Features which contributed to Hactl’s success include the use of LED lighting which has reduced lighting power consumption by over 30%; over 97% of workstations are now naturally lit.

In addition, the lighting and MVAC (mechanical ventilation and air conditioning) systems have been replaced with highly energy-efficient models, while artificial lighting and air conditioning use have been controlled by means of occupancy and CO₂ sensors installed throughout the offices.

The refurbishment’s BEAM accreditation was also influenced by the inclusion of a number of human-centric features, which create a safe and enjoyable working environment. Ergonomic workstation furniture adheres to occupational health and safety best practice, while open areas are designed to facilitate both relaxed business inter-action, and staff leisure breaks – for which a billiard table and table football are provided.   

The adjacent Hactl Sports Centre provides gym facilities, a yoga room, table-tennis tables, badminton courts and squash courts.  An infant feeding room and barrier-free washrooms contribute to an inclusive and non-discriminatory workplace.

Another aspect of the refurbishment which contributed to its BEAM award is its use of upcycled waste materials. Hactl collected waste timber from the local community, along with discarded wooden pallets and disused furniture from its own terminal operations, and transformed these into new furniture and art installations for the benefit and enjoyment of staff and visitors.

Says Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong: “Our offices at SuperTerminal 1 have had a hard working life since their opening in 1998, so a refurbishment was certainly due. But we wanted this to be more than a simple re-fit: our ambition was to improve the working environment for our team, to showcase Hactl’s proud history and Hong Kong’s air cargo industry to our visitors from around the world, and to stay loyal to the sustainability principles of our Green Terminal programme.

“The BEAM award proves we have achieved all these objectives, creating a cultural and aesthetic environment that must be rare or even unique within our industry. It also demonstrates that you don’t need a brand new building to achieve sustainability: everything is possible if you are passionate about protecting the environment.”

He concludes: “The BEAM accreditation is another milestone on our Net-zero carbon journey, and inspires us to carry on with this vitally-important mission.”