Climate change: why Hong Kong needs to do more to help green-tech start-ups with carbon-reduction certification

Hong Kong needs to fill a void in services like certifying carbon-emission reduction benefits of new applications, says founder of green-tech start-up Achelous

Achelous has developed a prototype based on its proprietary ion-exchange technology, which has the capability to absorb the carbon dioxide equivalent of 48 trees in a year

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Achelous Pure Metal says it has developed a small-scale prototype, which can absorb the carbon dioxide equivalent of 48 trees in a year, based on its laboratory results. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 8:30am, 24 Feb 2023

Hong Kong, which has ambitions to become an international green technology and green finance centre, needs to fill a void in services like certifying the carbon emission reduction benefits of new applications, according to a green-tech entrepreneur.

Achelous Pure Metal, which is based in Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, has developed a system based on its proprietary ion-exchange technology for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon particles are processed to make soil-enriching compost and other eco-friendly materials.

“We have discussed with green certification providers such as the government’s Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency [HQAA], but they have indicated that there is not yet an internationally recognised measurement standard for this application currently,” said Shawn Cheng, the start-up’s co-founder and R&D director.

“We are stuck at the small-scale pilot stage, because without third-party endorsement it is not easy for us to raise money to scale up.”

Achelous Pure Metal, co-founded Shawn Cheng, is based in Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Achelous has been testing the system at collaboration partner Chinachem Group’s properties such as Nina Tower in Tsuen Wan.