As an institution with an eye firmly on the future, HKMU is fully embracing the goal of sustainability. We are well advanced in the process of applying sustainability principles across all the key areas of our operations, to minimise our environmental footprint and maximise the positive impacts we have on the well-being of our society.
Despite being located in a highly built-up urban environment, HKMU has done much to contribute to sustainability in its operations and building designs. Reducing energy use has been a priority. We are a signatory to the Energy Saving Charter, set up by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, which commits us to a series of protocols for reducing energy consumption. We have also been upgrading our infrastructure to improve our overall energy performance.
Sustainability is also an integral part of HKMU's procurement practices. Wherever possible, we opt to procure reusable or durable products, and select products that do not harm the environment. Food sustainability is a priority in our arrangements with caterers on campus. This has involved enhancing the range of healthy products on offer, and providing incentives for customers to opt for smaller portions. In transport-related issues, we are replacing conventional vehicles in the University's fleet with electric ones, and adding electric charging stations in campus car parks. We are also making large strides towards reducing our paper consumption, by increasingly using digital study materials and implementing a range of e-procedures in administration.
Both the University and its contractors are involved in concerted waste management efforts for sustainability. There are now 40 recycling bins across our campuses that collect paper, aluminium, plastic, and glass bottles. We are also phasing out the availability of plastic bottles of water, and have discontinued disposable plastic tableware at HKMU catering outlets.
As HKMU continues to expand physically, we are incorporating sustainable technology and renewable energy options into our building designs. Our aim for all our new building projects is to attain the highest green standards ratings possible, such as BEAM Plus Platinum from the Hong Kong Green Building Council.
The table below lists some of the major recent and recurring recognitions relating to sustainability gained by HKMU.
Note:
MC = Main Campus
JCC = Jockey Club Campus
IOH = Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare
HKMU's Institute for Research in Innovative Technology and Sustainability houses the Centre for Research in Environmental Science, which focuses on sustainability and environmental care with highly practical outputs.
Recent HKMU research in the area of sustainable development has included projects to boost the generation of renewable energy by real-time monitoring of the metabolic activity of food waste and sewage sludge anaerobic co-digestion; to enhance Hong Kong's marine biodiversity through the development of eco-friendly materials for seawalls; and to address global health challenges by reducing antibiotic resistance genes in soil through a novel soil-plant system amendment method. More detailed descriptions of many of these research projects can be found in Chapter 4 of this Annual Review.
Since 2021, all HKMU students have been required to take University Core Courses as part of their degree programme, each designed to inculcate social and personal values involving care for others and a commitment to making the future a better place for all. Two of these courses, “Social Responsibility” and “Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership for Sustainability”, are specifically focused on personal sustainability initiatives.
Several of our academic programmes now have a dedicated focus on sustainability and environmental issues. They include:
For the public, HKMU has produced a 10-episode TV series titled Sustainability in Action, broadcast on Sundays on TVB Pearl through the Knowledge for All programme. Designed to raise public awareness of sustainability and how it touches on all aspects of daily life, the programme draws on input from specialists in different sectors who each week share insights into how sustainability strategies and practices are implemented in their respective industries.
A sustainability mindset is based on a sense of individual responsibility and commitment. We have been promoting this mindset through a series of community engagement initiatives that are raising staff and student awareness of and commitment to socially responsible action, such as our “Home Safety for the Elderly” initiative, parenting seminar and workshop series, Me&U Community Caring Programme and HKMU Best Buddies Programme. All these along with other sustainability and public health initiatives are described in detail in Chapter 5.
HKMU has embraced a special commitment to promoting and supporting good mental health among its students, and in society generally. We recently embarked on a HK$10 million three-year scheme to enhance the mental health support available for our students, details of which can be found in Chapter 3. Details of our community efforts, such as being part of the “City Companion” Community Alliance on Promoting Mental Health, can be found in Chapter 5.
HKMU holds a number of investments designed to protect and enhance its assets for the future. As part of our environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment, when considering businesses in which to invest, we take into account each business's area of operation, ethical impact, and sustainability practices. Overall, HKMU makes investment decisions that give preference to investments aligned with its ESG values, while maintaining steady returns and diversification.
