DISCOVER HKBU

HKBU’s commitment and innovation to sustainability

28 Feb 2025

HKBU has earlier won the Silver Award in the Public and Community Services category at the 2023 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence. Widely regarded as the “Oscars of Environmental Excellence”, this accolade highlights HKBU’s ongoing commitment and efforts in sustainable development and environmental management. The University has been dedicated to the concept of a low-carbon campus, with the Estates Office playing a vital role in advancing green construction and sustainable operations. Ms Kay Choy, the Director of Estates, shares the University’s journey from a modest campus to its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

From “Green Corner” to campus-wide environmental impact

Kay explains that HKBU has implemented a range of initiatives to enhance energy efficiency while promoting waste reduction and recycling. One notable success is the Green Corner, a smart recycling facility launched in late 2023. Designed to encourage waste recycling and resource reuse, it is conveniently located in the main circulation spine of the Baptist University Road Campus and close to the students’ residential halls.  The facility has collected more than 2.8 tonnes of recyclables to date, reflecting active participation from both staff and students.  

HKBU plans to expand its recycling facilities by the 2025-26 academic year, adding another smart station to accommodate a variety of recycling items in the Ho Sin Hang Campus. These efforts aim to make it easier for the campus community to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily lives.

Four strategies towards carbon neutrality

HKBU’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2044, well ahead of the Hong Kong government’s target of 2050. To achieve this, HKBU has outlined four strategies that encompass multiple facets of campus life.  

Firstly, green architecture is a cornerstone of this plan, as Kay pointed out that the University has integrated energy-saving technologies into its building design. For example, in the Crop Science Laboratory project, solar panels and a wind turbine installed on the roof generate clean energy, contributing to our goal of achieving zero carbon emissions. The vertical green walls integrate teaching and learning activities in biodiversity with operational functions to improve air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen.  This will help regulate temperatures and reduce energy costs. In addition, in recent years, the University has also installed solar panels on the roofs of six buildings, providing real-time data for academic research and promoting innovation in green technology.

Another key component of the University’s strategy is green transportation. By 2030, HKBU aims to upgrade at least half of its parking spaces to include electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This initiative, Kay explains, will play a significant role in reducing the University’s carbon footprint.  

Waste reduction and recycling also feature prominently in HKBU’s sustainability agenda. In addition to the Green Corner, the University has adopted green catering practices and sustainable procurement policies. Kay reveals that a new reward system is being developed within HKBU’s mobile app to incentivise students and staff to reduce waste and choose eco-friendly products.

Kay emphasises that education is at the heart of HKBU’s sustainability mission. The University has integrated the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its curriculum, aiming to instill environmental awareness among students through both academic programmes and campus activities. “Education is the foundation of sustainability,” Kay says. “By helping the BU community understand and participate in these initiatives, we hope to create a lasting impact.” 

A green vision for the new campus

Despite the challenges posed by its limited campus space, HKBU has embraced innovative designs to maximise the environmental potential of its facilities. The Jockey Club Campus of Creativity (JC³) exemplifies this approach, with its design adhering to green building approaches and incorporating advanced energy-saving technologies. “The new complex features a vertically configured campus that integrates teaching and learning, residential and social spaces. The central courtyard and breezeways improve natural ventilation, while the stepped building profile enhances daylighting and provides green breathing spaces for students to enjoy.”  

Additionally, energy dashboards are installed in the new student residences to provide real-time electricity usage data, promoting greater awareness of energy conservation. The parking facilities at the new campus are fully equipped with EV charging stations, aligning with the University’s commitment to green transportation.

Looking beyond its own campus, HKBU is set to play a leading role in promoting sustainability across the tertiary education sector. In 2024, the University served as the convener of the Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium, joining forces with the eight UGC-funded universities to advance collective sustainability efforts. “Together we hope to extend the concept of a green campus to the wider community, with joint efforts to accelerate Hong Kong’s progress toward carbon neutrality,” Kay remarks.