PolyU is actively creating an environment that is conducive to sustainability research and innovation. Many of our projects focus on the environment or society and aim at knowledge discovery, sustainability development innovations and problem-oriented research. Our Faculties and Schools conduct research projects that are funded by research grants and external sources, with several such projects targeted at sustainability development, including our first in-building micro hydropower system; developing anti-heat stress outfits for construction workers to prevent heat stroke; and Green Deck-related research projects on connectivity improvements between the PolyU campus and Hung Hom MTR station.
| Academic Year | Total Funding (Million HK$) | No. of Research Projects | No. of Patents Granted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012/13 | 1,614.2 | 2,564 | 59 |
| 2013/14 | 1,338.1 | 2,928 | 49 |
| 2014/15 | 1,832.2 | 2,843 | 73 |
As we break new technological ground in every aspect of sustainability, including energy, air quality, water treatment and conservation, noise control, waste recycling and management, waste water treatment, and renewable energy, PolyU has established sustainability-themed research centers and special programmes to gather experts across disciplines and rise to specific sustainability challenges with PolyU’s expertise.
PolyU established the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) to take environmental sustainability research to the next level and deliver groundbreaking solutions for sustainable urban developments. Nurtured primarily by researchers from the Faculty of Construction and Environment who are all heavily focused on sustainable urban development one way or another, RISUD has since enlisted many active researchers from our other departments, and now comprises 27 research groups in five divisions across a range of perspectives and proficiencies. Through research projects, knowledge-transfer activities, consultancy services and professional trainings, RISUD develops innovative sustainability solutions for high-density cities and attests to the University’s strategic priority in sustainable development.
Charged with promoting corporate social responsibilities and business sustainability in local industries, SMRC commits to collaborations with Hong Kong enterprises, including small and middle enterprises (SMEs) through research findings and reporting the “Third Hong Kong SME Business Sustainability Index” in December 2014. The index highlights corporate social responsibilities (CSR) achievements by SMEs and encourages ongoing sustainability improvements among local and international enterprises.
In 2015, PolyU’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation initiated a new training and funding programme. The Good Seed Programme aims to till the field of a caring community for the next generation by encouraging them to make social innovations for poor families, new immigrants from Mainland China, the disabled and people in need. It offered action-oriented training modules focusing on design, technology and business skills to applicants who then competed in teams for a research grant up to HK$100,000.
[Photo]: Good Seed Programme Launching Ceremony
The International Research Centre for Communication in Healthcare (IRCCH) was co-founded by PolyU and the University of Technology Sydney. In 2015, IRCCH launched the Asia-Pacific Healthcare Hub of Charter for Compassion, laying a foundation for healthcare research, education and practice initiatives. Under the Charter, it provides a platform for 1,300 partners from 50 countries to join forces in promoting compassionate healthcare education.
In April 2015, we celebrated the 5th anniversary of PolyU’s IAA. In the face of social challenges from Hong Kong’s graying population, IAA seeks to enhance the quality of life and vitality of seniors through inter-disciplinary research, education and practice. The institute also invites healthcare providers, older citizens, their families and the general public to join hands in making social-oriented innovation that will empower communities to build an age-friendly society.
[Photo]: Active Ageing Week 2015 Opening Ceremony