Advancing Actions for Climate and Health
We believe that sustainability and smart are two sides of the same coin, which is why we place equal emphasis on sustainability and quality, making our campus an exemplar of sustainable practices and innovations.
Commitment to Strategic Action
The Sustainable Operation Committee (OpCo) guides the implementation of our ambitious sustainability strategy. This includes the Net-Zero Action Plan which sets the pathway for us to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and the 2028 Sustainability Challenge, which engages our entire community to address energy, waste, water, biodiversity, and wellness issues on our campus.
Shaping our Ecosystem
Our Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab initiative is transforming our campus into a testbed for learning, experimentation, and showcasing approaches to sustainability to benefit Hong Kong and our region.
The Life Cycle Lab offers training for our members and suppliers to strengthen their understanding of the environmental, economic, and social impact of consumption.
We are also the first university in Hong Kong to pledge to eliminate investments in fossil fuels, with a concrete environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) investment strategy demonstrating our commitment to be a global leader in sustainability.
Growing our Campus Sustainably
As our campus grows, we are guided by our Net-Zero Building Standards which require all new buildings to be designed, constructed, and operated according to net-zero during their lifespan.
Recognizing the ecological and biodiversity value of our trees on campus, our Tree Felling and Planting Policy prioritizes their preservation and creative reuse, promoting environmental stewardship during construction projects.
We have also committed to installing up to 8,000 solar panels across our campus, an initiative that will reduce 1.5 million kilograms of carbon emissions per year over a 25-year period.
Consuming Responsibly
Our extensive sustainable policies and guidelines direct our daily purchasing choices in our catering and office operations to ensure responsible consumption.
Our waste management strategy prioritizes waste prevention at source through reduction, reuse, and life-cycle costing. We also extend these guidelines to our suppliers and contractors through our operational guidelines on sustainable purchasing, leveraging our unique role in shaping the standards and practices of our ecosystem.
Advancing Health and Wellbeing for All
Our Counselling and Wellness Center provides workshops, seminars, and counseling support to advance the well-being of our members.
Through our Mental Health First Aid Course, HKUST members learn how to give appropriate support and intervention to those in need.
The HKUST Center for Aging Science focuses on understanding healthy aging and promoting physical and psychological well-being in old age. Through our partnership with Haven of Hope Christian Service, The Center combines expertise and research to prepare future generations for aging.