Prof. Edwin Tso Leads FIRST Pilot Bringing Sustainable Cooling to Rural Hunan
Prof. Edwin TSO, Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) at the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) and Director of the FIRST Programme, led the inaugural technology pilot of the Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Programme, a United Nations-endorsed initiative under the UN Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033).
Launched in mid-October 2025 at Kuzhi Yucai School in Guiyang, Chenzhou, Hunan, the pilot project— “Cool Down for a Better Summer”—introduced electricity-free cooling technology to under-resourced rural schools, improving classroom comfort and promoting climate resilience.
The project was jointly led by CityUHK in collaboration with i2Cool, Sanskrit, and the Shero Initiative, with support from the Tencent Charity Foundation. The cooling solution, developed by i2Cool, a start-up incubated under CityUHK’s HK Tech 300 programme, utilises zero-carbon materials applied to rooftops and walls. In its first phase, the renovation covered 830 m² of rooftop, reducing surface temperatures by up to 21.6°C and lowering indoor temperatures by up to 8.3°C, even in areas affected by frequent power outages.
The team also conducted interactive climate education sessions titled “Climate and Daily Life”, engaging students in environmental discussions and hands-on demonstrations. Undergraduate students from SEE contributed by designing relatable teaching materials and assisting with the application of cooling coatings.
Beyond technological deployment, the initiative provided holistic support to the school community. Team members visited students’ homes, distributed supplies, and assessed caregiving needs. Partner organisations offered sanitary kits and health education for girls, donated books and learning materials, and introduced a mental health programme for teachers.
“This marks the first field deployment of a core technology from the FIRST Programme,” said Prof. Tso. “We aim to build an open, resilient technology ecosystem that empowers even the most resource-limited communities with sustainable solutions.”
A joint collaboration plaque was presented to SEE, symbolising the transition from a one-off project to a long-term, co-created ecosystem of innovation, education, and care.
For full details, please refer to the official press release from CityUHK:
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/media/news/2025/11/17/first-pilot-site