CityUHK’s FIRST Programme launches initial technology pilot: “Cool Down for a Better Summer” initiative brings sustainable cooling to rural schools in Hunan
Led by the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Programme launched its inaugural technology pilot in mid-October. The initiative was carried out at Kuzhi Yucai School in Guiyang, Chenzhou, Hunan. In partnership with i2Cool, Sanskrit, and the Shero Initiative, and with support from the Tencent Charity Foundation, CityUHK implemented the “Cool Down for a Better Summer” campaign to introduce sustainable, electricity-free cooling solutions to under-resourced rural campuses.
The CityUHK-led FIRST initiative, part of the UN Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), addresses climate and resource challenges in low-resource areas through affordable, scalable and sustainable green technologies.
Kuzhi Yucai School, located in Chenzhou’s humid mountainous area, contends with extreme summer heat, outdated infrastructure, and frequent power outages. The FIRST initiative significantly improves learning conditions by providing electricity-free cooling.
“This marks the first field deployment of a core technology from the FIRST programme,” emphasised Professor Edwin Tso Chi-yan, Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) of the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at CityUHK, and the FIRST Programme Director. “Starting with the Kuzhi Yucai School, we are aiming to validate not just the technology, but also a collaborative, cross-disciplinary path for green innovation.”
FIRST encompasses four core technologies: electricity-free cooling, printable solar films, biomass energy conversion, and a human-powered sanitation system for generating potable water. This pilot focuses on electricity-free cooling, a solution spearheaded by i2Cool.
i2Cool, a start-up nurtured under HK Tech 300 – CityUHK’s large-scale flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme – developed this zero-carbon, electricity-free cooling technology, which can be flexibly applied via coatings, membranes or rolls to existing building surfaces.
“Green technologies should primarily benefit the most resource-limited areas,” said Professor Martin Zhu Yi-hao, Co-founder and CEO of i2Cool and Adjunct Professor in the College of Business at CityUHK.
In July, i2Cool completed the first renovation phase, covering 830m² of the school’s rooftop with free cooling roll materials. Field data shows up to a 21.6°C reduction in rooftop surface temperature and up to an 8.3°C drop in indoor temperature. This provides significantly improved thermal comfort in classrooms despite the absence of air conditioning and frequent power outages.
The initiative also promotes climate education. Under the leadership of Professor Tso, the team conducted interactive lessons on “Climate and Daily Life,” engaging students in meaningful discussions. CityUHK undergraduate students played a key role by designing teaching materials that explored the connections between climate change, health, the environment, and daily life. Through relatable topics such as water resources and heat responses, they helped students build awareness and understanding of climate issues.
Outside the classroom, the team demonstrated the application of cooling coatings on school walls. Students participated in the painting process and experienced the noticeable temperature difference firsthand—transforming abstract technology into a tangible, relatable experience, while highlighting the practicality and effectiveness of green technology.
Beyond cooling and education, the initiative provided holistic campus support:
- Team members visited students’ homes, offering supplies and assessing caregiving challenges;
- The Sanskrit and Shero Initiative donated learning materials and children’s books;
- Girls received sanitary kits and health education;
- A mental health programme for teachers was introduced, along with financial support.
“Charity isn’t just about giving—it’s about empowerment,” said Ms Lareina Lau, Secretary-General of Sanskrit. “We aim to build students’ resilience through support and care.”
A joint collaboration plaque was presented to the SEE, signifying the move from a short-term project to a long-term, co-constructed ecosystem.
“Deploying electricity-free cooling isn’t just about improving classroom conditions; it offers a sustainable, energy-independent alternative for under-resourced areas,” said Professor Zhu. “This is the starting point for inclusive innovation—true innovation must serve the places that need it the most.”
Professor Tso emphasised that technologies reaching resource-limited areas must be not only advanced, but also reliable, easy to deploy and replicable. “We aim to build an open, resilient technology ecosystem with partners from research, industry and community organisations so that even overlooked regions can benefit from the dignity and convenience technology can offer.”