The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) launches its Environment Week starting today under the theme of 'Energy and Waste - Challenges for a Sustainable Planet'. A varied array of fun and educational activities will be hosted by the Health, Safety and Environment Office (HSEO) to drive greater participation among students, faculty and staff in green lifestyles.
Dedicated to building a culture of sustainable development, HKUST has proactively engaged students, faculty, staff and the whole community in environmental protection through running a stimulating assortment of education and research activities. An annual event on campus spurring care and concern for the environment, the Environment Week started off this year with green dining, with President Prof Tony F Chan, Provost Prof Wei Shyy taking green meals together with students, faculty and staff to advocate locally-produced, organic and low-carbon food which comprises less meat and more vegetables. Encouraging the HKUST community to treasure food and reduce food waste, the initiative goes into the diversified package of sustainability activities and contributes to the Week's focus this year in the significance of waste reduction and energy conservation.
President Prof Tony F Chan expressed the view that environmental protection ought not remain a mere slogan, that it should become part of our lives. For each day, 3,500 tonnes of food waste were piled into the city's landfills, and Hong Kong is fast running out of space for more waste. It is time the society 'Say No to Food Waste' to relieve the pressure on the environment. As a university of science and technology, HKUST has a duty to lead the rest of community in environment matters, and combine technology and daily lives together in improving the environment. One case in point has been the waste composting machine that turns food waste into compost. He emphasized yet improving environment is not about new machines; it is in the public having a new attitude and adopting a green lifestyle.
The HSEO held the kick-off ceremony today, and running a dazzling host of green activities for the whole five days of the Environment Week, including the 'Say NO to Food Waste!' photo competition and Environmental Movie Night. To enhance the environmental awareness of faculty and students, it has invited environment groups such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Greeners' Action, Forest Stewardship Council to hold talks on food waste recycling, conservation, energy policy and other environmental agenda of public concern. Representative from a well established professional services company KPMG will also deliver a talk surrounding the theme of 'Sustainability and Green Business Opportunities', discussing the way to leverage sustainability initiatives for corporate opportunities.
During the week, HKUST advocates faculty, staff and students to wear green as a show of support for the University's proactive actions for sustainability. Catering outlets on campus will also tie in with the Week by offering Special Green Menus at discounted prices. Additionally, a number of organic farming enterprises and environmental groups will be promoting a varied diversity of locally-produced organic farming foods and eco-friendly products to members of the public.
For more details of the Environment Week, visit
http://green.ust.hk/cgi-bin/events/event_details.php?event_id=153.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact:
Mavis Wong
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: maviswong@ust.hk
