From green airport to ESG: Shenzhen airport explores low-carbon transition

How can ESG principles be integrated into the daily operations of a major transport hub? At the ESG subforum of the Shenzhen National Low-Carbon City Forum on Sept. 22, Hao Yuming, manager of the Operations Management Department (Board Office) of Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd., said the airport is pursuing a low-carbon transition through life-cycle management, targeted emission reduction, digital technologies and regional collaboration.

Hao Yuming

Hao described the approach as “whole-life-cycle, systematic, smart and collaborative.” Rather than focusing on individual energy-saving upgrades, Shenzhen Airport integrates ESG into planning, construction, operations and management, covering areas from green buildings and low-carbon infrastructure to energy, waste, noise and carbon management.

In key operational areas such as the airfield and terminal, the airport is taking targeted measures. It is expanding ground power facilities to reduce aircraft fuel use while parked, while also increasing the use of new-energy vehicles and charging infrastructure. New airside work vehicles will be electrified in line with relevant requirements.

The terminal is another major area for energy saving. Smart controls adjust air-conditioning, lighting and other systems according to factors such as passenger flows and temperature, helping reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Digitalization is also supporting greener operations. An energy and carbon management platform collects and analyzes real-time data on electricity, water and cooling, helping the airport identify further opportunities for energy saving and emission reduction.

Beyond improving equipment efficiency, Hao stressed the importance of transforming the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Shenzhen Airport is developing distributed photovoltaic projects and increasing its use of green electricity. According to the airport, clean energy accounted for 92.25% of its energy use in 2025. Shenzhen Airport’s latest ESG disclosures also show continued progress in non-fossil energy use and carbon-intensity reduction.

For a complex transport hub like an airport, decarbonization requires collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Shenzhen Airport is working with airlines and other resident companies through the Airport Ecological Civilization Committee to advance energy saving, waste sorting and ecological protection.

As the airport continues to grow, Hao said it will further focus on aircraft ground operations, building energy use, ground services and the energy mix, integrating low-carbon practices more deeply into airport operations and exploring new approaches to sustainable development at major transport hubs.