Project Description:
Background
The YOHO series shopping centers consist of YOHO MALL I, YOHO, YOHO MALL II, YOHO MIX, and YOHO PLUS, with a total floor area of approx. 1.2 million square feet at Yuen Long, N.T, HKSAR, China. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality business environment and customer service experience while actively promoting environmental protection. We have set an environmental goal at 13% saving in 10 years starting from 2019 as a baseline. We have implemented various energy-saving projects for different E&M systems. From 2019 to the end of 2025, 8% (Approx. 1,964MWh) of electricity consumption has been saved for the YOHO series shopping centers. This demonstrates that our energy-saving projects are highly effective. Therefore, we would like to share our energy-smart projects through The 2026 ESCI Best Practices Awards Program, in order to contribute for creating energy-smart communities and protecting the environment.
Key environmental projects in the malls are listed below:
1. Application of AI for MVAC System (2,000RT) of YOHO MALL I
There is five air-cooled chiller serving YOHO Mall I. The core innovation lies in integrating multiple technologies (Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) + sensors, AI + Building Management System (BMS) to create a smarter and more responsive system.
Both the VSD/sensor combination and the AI system "Plantpro" rely heavily on machine learning to analyze real-time data such as chilled water temperature and load prediction for optimized chiller staging,
The AI system continuously adjusts chilled water temperature setpoints to save energy without compromising comfort and achieves optimal chiller sequencing control based on chillers' Coefficient of Performance (COP) for enhanced efficiency. In addition, the AI systems can respond much faster to changes in load or environmental conditions, thereby reducing the manpower required for routine chiller system operations.
Since the implementation of the AI system at YOHO MALL I in November 2023, the MVAC system’s energy consumption was reduced by more than 460,000 kWh during the first 20-month period. The AI system's performance was investigated by the research team at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The results demonstrate that AI-empowered control optimization can effectively improve energy efficiency.
2. Interlink System between Chiller Plants at YOHO MALL I
The YOHO MALL I has five independent chiller plants with a total cooling capacity of over 4,000 RT. In the initial design, the system required operating five air-cooled chillers and five chilled water pumps during winter season.
Before Implementation Interlink System
To optimize the energy efficiency of the MVAC system, the chilled water pipes were interconnected among the five independent chiller plants. During the winter season, only two air-cooled chillers and two chilled water pumps need to be operated. Compared with the previous design, which required five aircooled chillers and chilled water pumps to operate independently. The new arrangement allows three aircooled chillers and three chilled water pumps to remain off. This improvement provided significant energy saving approx. 235,000kWh per year after implementing the interlink system.
After Implementation Interlink System
3. Lighting Automatic Control with Lux Sensor by IoT at YOHO MALL I
In order to enhance the energy efficiency of the lighting system, daylight sensor was implemented for lighting control in the walkway of YOHO MALL I. This allows the lighting system to automatically adjust brightness based on natural light levels, improving overall efficiency.
An IoT dashboard controls the lighting operation according to a specific lux level. For example, when the measured lux level exceeds 100 lux, the lighting is switched off to conserve energy. Conversely, when the natural light level falls below 100 lux, the lighting is automatically switched on. As a result, it saved approx. 1,000kWh annually after installation of lux sensor.
4. Installation of Variable Speed Drive at Chilled Water Pump at YOHO MALL I
Footfall in the mall drops during non-peak hours, causing lower cooling demand and a decrease in chilled-water return temperature. Running chilled-water pumps at full speed during these periods wastes energy. VSDs were installed on the chilled-water pump motors so pump speed and flow can be reduced when chilled water demand drops. It resulted in annual energy savings of about 102,000 kWh after the VSD application.
Installation of VSD for Chilled Water Pumps
5. Replacement of EC Plug Fan of PAU at YOHO MALL I
In order to improve the energy efficiency of PAU used for ventilation and conditioned fresh air delivery, a PAU fan was replaced with a more efficient EC plug fan. The fan motor can vary speed directly according to cooling load or CO₂ levels without needing an external VSD, which simplifies control and improves part-load efficiency. The plan is to replace 1–2 EC plug fans annually. It achieved approximately a 10% reduction in electricity consumption for the PAU compared to the previous non-EC fan.
Installation of EC Fan of PAU
6. Installation of Variable Speed Drives (VSD) and CO2 Sensor at Primary Air Handling Unit (PAU) of YOHO MALL I
Installing a CO₂ sensor for a PAU is essential for ensuring energy efficiency and maintaining indoor air quality. Ventilation of arcade spaces often brings in outdoor fresh air that must be cooled. If the returned air has low CO₂, the fresh-air requirement is lower. Therefore, a CO₂ sensor was installed to measure the returned air CO₂ concentration. A VSD allows the PAU fan speed to be modulated according to actual demand. This not only reduces fresh air intake accordingly but also saves both fan energy and chiller power. The installation of the CO₂ sensor and VSD on the PAU results in annual savings of approximately 13,000 kWh.
7. Application of I-Paint Technology on Rooftop of Chiller Plant at YOHO MALL II
The chiller plant room of YOHO MALL II is fully exposed to sunlight. To enhance chiller efficiency, I-Paint Coating was applied on the chiller plant roof that provides a cooling effect by blocking incoming thermal radiation.
The coating reflects the vast majority of sunlight and rejects heat, reducing the surface temperature of the YOHO MALL II chiller plant's roof. Based on the observed average indoor air temperature reduction of 1.7°C, estimated power savings range from 5.1% to 10.2%. This paint technology significantly reduces the indoor temperature of the chiller plant room. As a result, it not only improves chiller efficiency and reduces power consumption, which can save energy savings of approx. 25,920 kWh after the application of I-Paint Coating.
Application of I-Paint on Chiller Plant Roof
8. Solar Panels at Roof of YOHO Plus
In support of sustainable development and lower carbon emissions, a 75.48 kW on-site PV solar panel system was installed, consisting of 138 modules covering 356 m². With an estimated annual generation of approximately 80,000 kWh, the system supplies roughly 10% of the building’s total electricity demand. This on-site renewable energy source not only reduces net electricity purchases and carbon emissions but also serves as a visible demonstration of our company’s commitment to sustainability for both occupants and the public.
Installation of Solar Panel System
9. Other Environmental-friendly Applications
With reference to other environmental-friendly applications of energy efficiency and sustainable development in the YOHO series shopping centers, the energy-efficient measures have achieved significant results, including the deployment of LED lighting, and EV chargers.
To further enhance energy performance and reduce operational costs, interior lighting across the YOHO Mall series was replaced with LED lighting. Compared with conventional lighting, LEDs offer higher energy efficiency and a longer lifespan, resulting in fewer replacements and lower maintenance requirements. This upgrade has successfully reduced lighting electricity consumption, improved lighting quality, and lowered maintenance costs. To support the uptake of electric vehicles in Hong Kong and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fuel vehicles, 12 sets of fast EV chargers, each rated at 120 kW, were installed across the YOHO Mall series. These high‑power units enable rapid charging for compatible electric vehicles, significantly enhancing the site’s capacity to serve visitors and drivers while helping to lessen reliance on petroleum.
Summary
The annual electricity consumption of the YOHO Mall series from 2020 to 2025 shows a reduction from roughly 26.8 million kWh to about 24.7 million kWh, representing an approximate 8% decrease, equivalent to 1,964,000 kWh (1,964 MWh) saved. Based on a typical three-member family household in Hong Kong with a monthly consumption of 275 kWh, the electricity saved is equivalent to the monthly consumption of 7,142 such households. This improvement reflects a package of efficiency measures and sustainable development initiatives, such as the application of AI system, interlink system, automatic lighting control, VSD installation on chilled water pumps, solar panel system, etc.
YOHO Mall series’ Energy Consumption from 2020-2025
Estimated Savings
Savings Narrative
We have implemented various energy-saving projects for different E&M systems. From 2019 to the end of 2025, 8% (Approx. 1,964MWh) of electricity consumption has been saved for the YOHO series shopping centers. This data is directly based on the electricity bill.
For the energy saving of individual projects, please see below:
1. Application of AI PlantPro at Chiller Plant of YOHO MALL I: Saved 460,000 kWh during the first 20-month period after installation of AI in Nov 2023
2. Interlink System Between Chiller Plants at YOHO MALL I: Saved 235,000 kWh annually
3. Lighting Automatic Control with Lux Sensor by IoT at YOHO MALL I: Saved 1,000 kWh annually
4. Installation of Variable Speed Drive at Chilled Water Pump at YOHO MALL I: Saved 102,000 kWh annually
5. Replacement of EC Plug Fan of PAU at YOHO MALL I: Saved 10% electricity consumption comparing with non-EC plug fan
6. Installation of Variable Speed Drives (VSD) and CO2 Sensor at Primary Air Handling Unit (PAU) of YOHO MALL I: Saved 13,000 kWh annually
7. Application of I-Paint Technology on Rooftop of Chiller Plant at YOHO MALL II: Saved 25,920 kWh annually
8. Erection of Solar Panels at Roof of YOHO Plus: Generate 80,000 kWh annually
9. Replacement of LED lighting: Saved 90,000 kWh annually
Net Operating Cost Savings per year: HKD$2,515,820
Assume USD to HKD is $7.8, the saving is USD$322,541
Kilowatt-hours Savings per year: 1,677,213 kWh
Carbon Emissions Offset: 347.3 tons