21/05/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | MAY 21, 2025

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AirAsia achieves perfect 10 in environment audit SEPANG: AirAsia has soared to the top tier of a new global environmental rankings, securing a straight 10 out of 10 score in the aviation industry’s first comprehensive, data-driven sustainability audit. Recognised among only 25 top-performing carriers out of 142 airlines evaluated worldwide, AirAsia’s achievement underscores its leadership in sustainable aviation. Conducted by 42kft.com - a platform founded by aviation industry specialists - the rigorous assessment evaluates airlines on nine criteria. These include fleet modernisation, adoption of cutting-edge technologies, implementation of fuel efficiency innovations, investment in next generation fuel sources, carbon offsetting initiatives, and transparent sustainability reporting. 42kft.com editor-in-chief, Geoffrey Thomas said: “AirAsia’s standout performance reflects its sweeping commitment to sustainability across fleet renewal, alternative fuels, waste reduction and more. The AirAsia Group scores exceptionally well across every environmental metric. It is without doubt one of the global leaders in eco-conscious aviation.” On audit, he added: “This assessment goes beyond vague climate pledges to measure real world action. Pledges such as ‘Net Zero by 2050’ are considered baseline expectations - not distinguishing factors. With these rankings, we are honouring real, measurable commitments to reducing carbon emissions.” AirAsia chief sustainability officer, Yap Mun Ching remarked: “This accolade validates the breadth of our sustainability efforts, acknow ledging not just our achievements but also the unique challenges we navigate in our region. From adapting to diverse regulatory frameworks to balancing global standards with local realities, our approach has been both strategic and inclusive.” Yap highlighted AirAsia’s leadership role in shaping sustainable aviation policy, including chairing Malaysia’s National Task Force on CORSIA (Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and serving as a technical expert on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s working group on CORSIA. “We actively engage stakeholders across the transport and environmental sectors to align industry practices with climate goals. On the global stage, we advocate for regional perspectives in multilateral forums to ensure equitable and effective sustainability policies,” she added. The 42kft.com announcement coincides with the release of the Capital A’s Sustainability Report 2024, detailing AirAsia’s strides in reducing its environmental footprint. Key highlights include: • Record-low carbon intensities: Emissions per seat (gCO2/ASK) fell to 63.7 and emissions per passenger (gCO2/RPK) to 72.3, achieved through more than 20 operational efficiency measures that avoided 129,189 tonnes of CO2 and saved US$34 million in fuel costs. • Ground operations innovation: AirAsia deployed its first four combo units (integrated ground power and air conditioning system) at KLIA2, reducing the need for aircraft engines to power parked planes. Upon full rollout, these units are projected to cut 1% of AirAsia’s CO2 emissions. • Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with Airbus, AirAsia is advancing sustainable aviation research in Asean, specifically into alternative sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock development and innovative air traffic management solutions. AirAsia also joined Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to support commercialisation of hybrid-electric aircraft.

Hilton KL slashes food waste by nearly half

o Hotel’s Ramadan buffet has undergone transformation with focus on sustainability

Ű BY AIMIE SHAZRIE sunbiz@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s Green Ramadan initiative has proven its success by reducing food waste nearly 50%, marking a major step in the hotel’s sustainability efforts during the recent festive season. General manager Linda Pecoraro said through a combination of strategic planning, innovative waste reduction techniques and community partnerships, the hotel has been able to curb excess food while still delivering a high-quality dining experience for guests. She highlighted that the hotel’s Ramadan buffet, known for its extensive spread, has undergone a transformation with a focus on sustainability. “By analysing guest dining patterns and adjusting portion sizes accordingly, the hotel has minimised surplus food. “We noticed that certain dishes tend to be overproduced, leading to unnecessary waste. By closely monitoring consumption trends, we have managed to fine-tune our preparations and cut food waste by nearly half in the first year (2024). We aim to further reduce food waste in 2025 to ensure less unnecessary waste,” she told SunBiz. She said the hotel has partnered with local charities to donate surplus food, ensuring that unserved excess reaches those in need instead of being discarded, adding that this initiative aligns with Hilton’s global environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment to cutting food waste in half by 2030. She remarked that composting has played a key role in the hotel’s strategy, with food scraps being repurposed into organic fertiliser. “This practice not only reduces landfill but also supports urban farming efforts in the city,” Pecoraro added. She said, leveraging Winnow’s AI-powered

Pecoraro says Hilton Kuala Lumpur is exploring ways to make its food waste reduction efforts a permanent feature.

food waste tracking system, the hotel was able to obtain real-time insights into food waste, allowing kitchen teams to make precise adjustments to good preparation and production. She remarked that a major contributor to the success of the programme has been the emphasis on guest education. “Diners are encouraged to take only what they can finish, with subtle reminders placed throughout the buffet area. “We have also incorporated more plant based options into our Ramadan menu, which require fewer resources to produce compared to meat-based dishes. “This shift is in line with growing consumer demand for sustainable dining choices. “The hotel’s culinary team has worked to creatively utilise ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. For instance, vegetable peels and bones are turned into broths, while

overripe fruits are repurposed into desserts and beverages,” she remarked. Pecoraro said the hotel’s Green Ramadan initiative reflects a broader shift in the hospitality industry, where sustainability is becoming a core focus. “Other hotels in Malaysia are expected to follow suit as eco-conscious practices gain traction,” she added. With the success of this programme, she said the hotel is exploring ways to make its food waste reduction efforts a permanent feature beyond Ramadan. “Plans are in place to integrate similar strategies across other dining operations throughout the year,” she explained. As the hospitality sector continues to embrace greener practices, Pecoraro stated that the hotel’s initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable dining, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

DPS, Invest Energy Ventures tap green power for AI data centre KUALA LUMPUR: DPS Resources Bhd a Main Market listed company, recently entered into a strategic partnership with Invest Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd (IEVSB) to develop green energy solar farms and sustainable infrastructure for its proposed AI Data Centre and high-tech industrial park in Mukim Lendu, Alor Gajah, Malacca. distribution systems to support industrial operations. These systems will form a Centralised Utility Facility (CUF), providing sustainable power, cooling, and steam services to the AI Data Centre and adjacent industrial park. Chin Chuan remarked: “This partnership with Invest Energy Ventures marks a pivotal step in aligning technological advancement with environmental stewardship. “By powering our AI Data Centre with solar energy, we are advancing Malaysia’s digital economy and setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial development.

The collaboration underscores DPS’s commitment to integrating renewable energy into high-tech infrastructure while supporting Malaysia’s goal of achieving 12.04 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2028. Under the MoU, IEVSB will finance and develop solar farms on DPSE-owned lands, establishing a robust green energy framework to meet the AI Data Centre’s operational demands. The project is poised to drive economic growth in Malacca, creating jobs and attracting technology-driven investments. DPS executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Sow

“This initiative reflects our dedication to ESG principles and long-term value creation for stakeholders.” The AI Data Centre and industrial park aim to position Malacca as a hub for innovation and energy efficiency, aligning with national efforts to transition toward a low-carbon economy. DPS will continue engaging potential operators and off-takers to ensure the project delivers world-class, sustainable infrastructure.

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, DPS Energy Sdn Bhd (DPSE), DPS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IEVSB, a subsidiary of Invest Energy Sdn Bhd, to finance, develop, and implement cutting-edge green energy solutions. Key components of the project include independent Power Utility (IPU) systems for decentralised energy generation; centralised District Cooling (CDC) solutions to optimise energy efficiency and centralised steam

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