Sustainability is the core strength and also an important success factor for The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. We are working hard to integrate and implement the highest possible degree of sustainability at all levels and all aspects of the University’s education, research, processes and daily operations. The University is constantly exploring into various impact-driven sustainability initiatives which are highly pragmatic, and simultaneously serve as effective catalysts for advancing technologies and bringing about a satisfactory educational environment.
The year 2013/14 was an important milestone on the path towards the University’s long-term sustainability development. The Campus Sustainability Committee (CSC) initiated the campus-wide consultation on the proposed new policies guiding campus sustainability. Subsequently in 2014 the University’s Sustainability Policy and the various sub-policies on Energy and Greenhouse Gas, Green Procurement, Sustainable Infrastructure, Waste Management and Water Conservation were officially endorsed by the President’s Executive Committee. The implementation of these policies provides a sound framework and clear governance for achieving our sustainability goals, and offers clear evidence of our commitments to improving our sustainability performance and holding ourselves accountable for our progress.
Viewing sustainability as a driver for campus development, the University has taken this subject seriously in its capital projects planning and management in order to meet the goals of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, spatial arrangements, daylighting and greenery. Phase 8 Development (Block Z) and the Jockey Club Innovation Tower are excellent examples on campus which exhibit the abilities in maximizing their positive impact on the environment and convey a high standard of architectural quality. Taking this further into the community, the University has proposed the construction of a Green Deck over the Cross Harbour Tunnel plaza, which is an innovative solution to problems in Cross Harbour Tunnel vicinity. Linking Hung Hom MTR Station Podium on the west and PolyU campus on the south-east, the proposed 43,000 sq.m. deck area can accommodate a wide variety of recreational, cultural and sports facilities. This proposal will not only provide citizens with a green open space to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life, but also help foster sustainable development through a number of research projects undertaken by our experts.
Our commitment to leadership in sustainability is anchored firmly in our education and research. Almost all faculties have class subjects on sustainability, and in particular the Faculty of Construction and Environment has both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes related to environment engineering and sustainability development. Our research centres such as the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) vastly expand and engage in innovative and inter-disciplinary research projects to develop pioneering solutions for sustainable high-density cities like Hong Kong.
The University’s approach to sustainability continued to evolve, becoming more systematic and addressing an increasing number of economic, environmental and social challenges. We are particularly convinced of the need to communicate our goals, core values, governance, and efforts to all our stakeholders and we launched a number of campaigns and activities in the year 2013/14 which left a lasting impression and impact. Food waste recycling and the Bring Your Own (BYO) campaigns on campus won support and motivated the University community to take positive and appropriate actions. Activities were held at the Student Halls of Residence to change residents’ behavior by reducing energy and water consumption and increasing the waste recycling rate. The university-wide Campus Sustainability Weeks again boosted sustainability engagement and encouraged students and staff to make thoughtful decisions about reducing environmental footprint and building healthier communities.
I would like to thank all colleagues and students for contributing to another successful year on our sustainability journey. Their understanding of sustainability and its relevance for their ways of life and areas of responsibility is the foundation for our progress. We will build upon these achievements in 2014/15 and in the years to come.
Ir Professor Ping-kong Alexander Wai
Vice President (Research Development)
Chairman of Campus Sustainability Committee
