Global warming and extreme weather have significantly impacted our daily lives, making enery saving and decarbonisation an urgent global issue. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong has a pressing need for sustainable development and green transformation. However, with limited space and dense urban environment, large-scale greening in this concrete jungle is challenging. To address this issue, Fotis Lab, a startup incubated by Hong Kong Cyberport, has developed Algeo, a microalgae-based decarbonisation and air purification device. By integrating microalgae technology into indoor air purification and carbon reduction systems, Algeo injects new momentum into Hong Kong’s journey toward sustainable development.
Fotis Lab: A Pioneer of Green Innovation and Technology
Fotis Lab is an innovative startup based in Cyberport, dedicated to leveraging environmental technology to tackle urban environmental challenges. The company core mission is to combat climate change and improve air quality through innovative technology, fostering a greener urban environment.
The team at Fotis Lab is composed of passionate professionals, including environmental engineers, biologists, and designers. Their research centers on microalgae, leveraging its high-efficiency carbon dioxide absorption capabilities to develop cost-effective, high performance solutions for carbon reduction and air purification.
Algeo Demonstration Unit at CIC-Zero Carbon Park
As the Hong Kong’s first zero-carbon building, CIC-Zero Carbon Park (CIC-ZCP) showcases advanced green building technologies and sustainable development concepts. As a key platform for promoting low-carbon living, CIC-ZCP has partnered with Fotis Lab to incorporate Algeo into its indoor exhibition spaces. This collaboration aims to demonstrate how innovative technology can simultaneously achieve both carbon reduction and air quality improvement.
1. Improving Indoor Air Quality
Algeo units are installed in the visitor center reception of CIC-ZCP, where the Algeo device actively purifies air and reduce carbon dioxide levels. During operation, microalgae absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, effectively improving indoor air quality. Additionally, Algeo serves as an educational exhibit, allowing the public to understand the environmental applications of microalgae technology.
2. Carbon Reduction Demonstration
The Algeo device at CIC-ZCP contains approximately 80 liters of water and microalgae, which can effectively cover an indoor area of 4,800 square feet. According to Fotis Lab’s calculations, the device can absorb around 2.6 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 2.6 mature trees.
3. Education and Outreach
Fotis Lab and CIC-ZCP have jointly organised a series of educational activities, including microalgae workshops and guided tours, to promote the principles and applications of microalgae technology to students and the public. Participants can observe Algeo’s operations firsthand and create related microalgae products, learning its diverse applications and embracing circular economy principles in daily life.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Algeo application at CIC-ZCP marks a new chapter in the integration of innovative technology with green development. Through the collective efforts of the government, businesses, and the public, along with continuous technological advancements, Hong Kong is taking a solid step forward on green transformation. Looking ahead, we anticipate seeing more innovative technologies like Algeo, makinga zero-carbon future is no longer an unattainable dream but a shared and achievable goal. Let us work hand in hand to build a more sustainable tomorrow.
