HKUST Adopts ESG Investment Policy
(Hong Kong) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) pledged to eliminate investments in fossil fuels through a newly adopted environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) investment strategy, consistent with the scientific consensus on climate change and the goals of the Paris Agreement. By 2030, 100 percent of in-scope assets will be invested in companies that have adopted science-based targets.
HKUST Launches Sustainable & Green Finance BS Program
(Hong Kong) Jointly offered by the School of Business and Management and the Division of Environment and Sustainability at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the new Bachelor of Science in sustainable and green finance covers multiple disciplines at the intersection of business, environmental science and technology. It is designed for those interested in ESG and impact investing, sustainable project financing, sustainable instrument and product development, and other related fields.
HKUST Announces Large-Scale Solar-Electric System
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently announced a renewable energy project that will include the installation of up to 8,000 solar panels at over 50 locations on campus. The system will generate up to 3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. Part of the system will be dedicated as a living laboratory for the university’s faculty and students to test out ideas and projects related to solar energy systems.
HKUST Launches Living Lab Program With $6.7M Pledge
(Hong Kong) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has pledged $6.37 million ($50 million Hong Kong dollars) toward a new initiative aimed at transforming the campus into a testing ground for real-life challenges. Called the Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab, nine inaugural projects were selected that will be carried out in collaboration with the sustainability office.
Eight Hong Kong Institutions Launch 'Skip the Straw' Initiative
(Hong Kong) The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong aim to reduce plastic waste by introducing regular awareness campaigns and no straw days or implementing a campus-wide ban of plastic straws.
U Hong Kong Introduces Green Revolving Fund
(Hong Kong) The university's new Green Revolving Fund (GRF) supports improvement initiatives on campus with the aim of reducing carbon emissions. The fund will invest in energy-efficiency projects in university buildings, returning the utility and maintenance cost savings back to the fund for further projects. Initial funding of approximately $1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,000) will be allocated this year in the GRF’s pilot phase. The seed capital will fund two lighting projects.
U Hong Kong Bans Disposable Plastic Water Bottles
(Hong Kong) Ditch Disposable, a university-wide waste reduction and awareness campaign, was launched in spring 2017 on behalf of World Water Day with the announcement of a new policy that seeks to eliminate on-campus sale and distribution of single-use water bottles of one liter or less in volume.
ISCN 2015 Conference Presentations
Conference presentations from the International Sustainable Campus Network 2015 conference, themed Expanding the Dialogue: Sustainability in a Connected World, held in Hong Kong are now available, including the pre-conference session. Topics include challenges and approaches of campus sustainability, dialogue between universities and cities, regional perspectives, and corporate and university engagement.
HKUST Course Teaches Positive Social Impact
(Hong Kong): The newly offered course through The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Business School allows students to work with a dedicated philanthropy fund to identify and invest in sustainable social businesses that positively impact the community.
HKUST Holds Opening Ceremony for Energy Institute
(Hong Kong): Building upon The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's programming and research in energy, the Energy Institute offers a multi-disciplinary platform for fostering energy-related research and curricular programs within the university and community.
HKUST Buildings Receive BEAM Gold Award
(Hong Kong): Two residential buildings of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, awarded the Building Environmental Assessment Method Eco Building honor, feature energy efficient elevators, occupancy sensors, water-saving devices, green rooftops, solar panels, and recycled glass paving blocks.
HKUST Announces Grant Recipients
(Hong Kong): After recently receiving external funding that was matched, the university awarded 23 masters students with funding for research around environmental sustainability and conservation engineering, with a focus on green motoring and transportation.
HKUST Receives Grant
(Hong Kong): The Ford Motor Company recently announced the university is the recipient of HKD500,000 for the Ford-HKUST Conservation and Environmental Research Grants which support postgraduate environmental and conservation science, and conservation engineering advancements. A maximum of 20 project will be supported during the 2013-14 academic year.
U Hong Kong Releases Sustainability Report, New Website
The University of Hong Kong has released a new online sustainability report that details its sustainability efforts in the areas of teaching and learning, research and knowledge exchange, and awareness and outreach. The report also highlights its Campus Master Plan and the Centennial Campus development, designed to embody issues including the optimum use of land, space and the built environment, environmental sustainability, community integration, access and circulation by pedestrians and vehicles, IT infrastructure and advanced building services systems. In related news, the university has also launched several new online tools to help connect and organize the campus sustainability community and efforts, including a new website and Facebook page. The website provides information on a wide range of programs in research and teaching, sustainable campus management, student activities, governance, and local and international outreach.
The Hong Kong U Science & Tech Holds Carbon Neutral Commencement
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology recently achieved carbon neutrality with its 2010 university commencement, held for more than 10,000 students and parents. Carbon reduction measures included additional recycling bins, used cups and plates composting, a carbon-friendly menu and recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink for the commencement program printing. The post-event carbon audit revealed the achievement of carbon neutrality based on British Standards Institution's PAS 2060 protocol.
