Prof. Chi Yan Tso, Associate Professor in the School of Energy and Environment of City University of Hong Kong and the co-founder of i2Cool Limited, has been awarded substantial funding of 3,990,500 HK$ from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) recently. Prof. Tso is both academically and professionally exceptional, holding BEng (Hons), MPhil, PhD, CEng, MHKIE, MIMechE, and MASME.

In addition, Prof. Tso’s project, titled ‘Study and Development of Novel and Next-Generation Self-Cooling Building Materials using Daytime Passive Radiative Cooling Technology’, will receive four additional Research Talent Hub fundings, potentially exceeding HK$ 3,500,000. Furthermore, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Guangzhou Lapo Material Innovation Limited have generously provided an additional sponsorship of HK$ 800,000. The total financial support for the project has now exceeded HK$ 8,000,000.

Pragmatic innovation

A tech-empowered building energy transition

Addressing substantial energy consumption in buildings, particularly due to air conditioning during hot weather, and aiming to improve energy efficiency in regions with hot climates, Prof. Tso has innovatively developed the ‘Study and Development of Novel and Next-Generation Self-Cooling Building Materials using Daytime Passive Radiative Cooling Technology’ (Ref: ITS/ 128/ 22FP). This project focuses on passive radiative cooling, a cooling technology that operates without the need for additional energy or refrigerants. 

The objective of this project is to commercialize a range of novel daytime passive radiative cooling (DPRC) building materials, including thermochromic DPRC paints, ceramic tiles, and transparent DPRC paints/films. The design of these DPRC building materials has taken into the consideration of both summer and winter weather conditions. These materials are able to reflect solar irradiance and emit thermal radiation for cooling in summer, and absorb solar energy for interior heating in winter. Research indicates that this technology is expected to reduce energy consumption by 20% and improve solar cell efficiency by more than 5%, demonstrating its significant potential for industries like construction, property management, and renewable energy.

Intuit the prospect

Together for a green and sustainable future

Knowing that improving sustainability and energy efficiency is the theme of our time, the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) of City University of Hong Kong is conscious of how important sustainable technology is to future development. 

The Study and Development of Novel and Next-Generation Self-Cooling Building Materials using Daytime Passive Radiative Cooling Technology was awarded fundings and supports from Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Guangzhou Lapo Material Innovation Limited, Architectural Services Department, Henderson Land Development, Financial Street Holding, and the Building Energy Research Center of HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute. This is a demonstration of confidence from witnesses and participants in this project toward  green, sustainable development goals and a demonstration of commitment towards a shared low-carbon future.

The School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong has expressed its strong approval of this project, believing that this project not only aligns with SEE’s commitment to enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency, but also improves the school’s academic achievements and reputation. By securing significant funding and support from various industries, this project also demonstrates SEE’s ability to collaborate on shared research goals effectively.

Development-dedicated

Together for a low-carbon future

Prof. Tso, co-founder of i2Cool Limited and an eminent scholar of the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) of the City University of Hong Kong, stated that this project is based at the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) and is aimed at the development of self-cooling building materials. It is expected to reduce energy consumption by over 20% and enhance solar cell efficiency by over 5%.

Prof. Tso believes that this project will have a potential favorable impact on industries like construction, property management, and renewable energy. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Lasson Trading Development Limited for their generous support. 

As a technology company dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable solutions for a green, low-carbon society, i2Cool is committed to promoting sustainable development goals and helping more people to profit from reducing energy consumption. Funding and supports from Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Guangzhou Lapo Material Innovation Limited, Architectural Services Department, Henderson Land Development, Financial Street Holding, and the Building Energy Research Center of HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute have significantly strengthened our research and development efforts, propelling us toward a more sustainable future. 

With the support of low-carbon participants and witnesses from various industries, it is believed that there will be more highly professional and efficient researchers and developers dedicated to providing energy solutions to the world. Together, we will build a greener, more environmentally friendly future.