Campus Sustainability

Environmental Policy

The Education University of Hong Kong, in fulfillment of its mission, is committed to contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring all our management decisions, activities and operations are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. We shall:

• Comply with relevant environmental protection legislation and other internationally recognized best practices.
• Conserve resources and energy as far as practicable.
• Minimise the generation of waste by exercising the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Support the utilization of materials and implement operations that can minimize pollution to the environment.
• Share with our staff and students the University’s environmental policy and other relevant information, and promote staff development in meeting the University’s environmental objectives.
• Integrate the element of environmental sustainability in the teaching and learning programmes, and promote community awareness by participating actively in environmental campaigns and community activities.
• Review the University’s environmental performance regularly and seek continual improvement in green campus management.

Energy Conservation Policy

The Education University of Hong Kong, in fulfillment of its mission, recognizes the importance of integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy as well as Goal 13: Climate Action. It is committed to ensuring all our management decisions, activities and operations are carried out in an energy efficient manner. We shall:

• Comply with relevant government regulations, energy efficiency guidelines and adopt other best practices related to energy efficiency.
• From time to time evaluate and regulate the energy efficiency of our daily operations.
• Encourage staff and students to adjust air conditioning setting to the most suitable room temperature, preferably at 25. 5 ℃ . Staff are encouraged to dress casual and smart in summer.
• Continually promote to staff and students the importance of energy conservation, environmental sustainability and protection.
• Identify and implement energy conservation measures and maintain the effectiveness of the systems.
• Consider employing renewable energy whenever applicable.
• Regularly review with feedback for the energy management hardware systems.

Sustainable Planning and Development Policy

The Education University of Hong Kong is committed to integrating environmental sustainability, climate resilience and social responsibility into the planning, design, construction, renovation and operation of the campus facilities to support sustainable development. We shall:

• Comply with relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice and applicable environmental guidelines in planning and development of University's facilities.
• Incorporate sustainability considerations into new buildings, major addition and alteration projects, renovation works and infrastructure projects from the early planning and design stages.
• Promote energy-efficient and low-carbon buildings through climate-responsive design, efficient building services, energy monitoring, renewable energy opportunities and other practicable energy conservation measures. 
• Promote the sustainable use of land by prioritizing the redevelopment, adaptive reuse or development of previously developed or brownfield sites, where technically, environmentally and operationally feasible, to minimize the conversion of undeveloped land and protect natural habitats.
• Assess and appropriately manage potential soil, groundwater, contamination, drainage, biodiversity and climate-resilience risks associated with brownfield or previously developed sites before and during development.
• Consider long-term environmental, operational and maintenance impacts of buildings and infrastructure through the design, construction, use, renovation and eventual disposal.
• Conserve water through water-efficient fixtures, leak detection, water monitoring, safe water systems and opportunities for water reuse where practicable.
• Minimize the use of natural resources and promote durable, responsibly sourced, recycled and recyclable and low-emission materials.
• Apply the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle to construction, demolition and renovation works, and ensure the appropriate segregation, recovery, recycling and disposal of project waste.
• Prevent and minimize pollution arising from campus development activities, including dust, noise, wastewater, hazardous materials and other potential environmental impacts.
• Protect and enhance campus landscapes, green spaces and biodiversity, and incorporate appropriate planting and nature-based solutions where practicable.
• Identify, monitor and protect species listed on the IUCN Red List or applicable national or local conservation lists that inhabit areas affected by University's operations.
• Promote climate-resilient, accessible, healthy and inclusive campus facilities that support the wellbeing and needs of staff, students, visitors and other campus users.
• Encourage sustainable transport and mobility through safe pedestrian routes, public and collective transport connections, electric vehicle charging facilities and other measures that reduce reliance on private vehicles.
• Engage relevant stakeholders, consultants and contractors in sustainable planning and development, and communicate applicable environmental requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Establish appropriate sustainability objectives, performance indicators and monitoring arrangements for major projects.
• Consider recognized green building standards, assessment tools and professional practices in the major projects.

Through this policy, the University aims to develop a resilient, resource-efficient, inclusive and environmentally responsible campus that supports the wellbeing of the University community and contributes to local and global sustainable development.

Water Management and Water Reuse Policy

Water is a valuable natural resource which must be managed responsibly to ensure a sustainable use. Hence, the Education University of Hong Kong is committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation to by promoting the efficient use, conservation and reuse of water across the campuses for benefit of staff, students, on-campus residents and visitors.

The University will pursue this goal through effective monitoring of water consumption and implementation of the following measures and improvement initiatives across our campuses.

• Comply with all relevant legislative requirements relating to water consumption, efficiency, quality, reuse and pollution control.
• Implement a water safety plan to ensure that inherent risks associated with water systems  are managed effectively. 
• Monitor and test water quality on campuses regularly to safeguard the drinking water safety.
• Identify areas of significant water use and assess potential sources and application for water reuse, including rainwater, greywater and air-conditioning condensate, where applicable.
• Incorporate water saving, leak detection and water monitoring technologies in new buildings and major renovation projects to improve water efficiency.
• Assess the technical, environmental, health, safety and financial feasibility of water-reuse systems for suitable non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, cleaning and other appropriate campus uses.
• Develop and implement water-reuse initiatives progressively where they are considered safe, practicable, cost-effective and compliant with relevant requirements. 
• Provide free drinking water facilities to staff, students and visitors to reduce the consumption of bottled water.
• Seek innovative opportunities to reduce water consumption, promote water conservation, reuse water where practicable, reduce reliance on external water sources and minimize environmental impact.
• Promote responsible water use and raise awareness of water conservation and potential water use among staff, students, contractors and visitors.
• Review water management practices regularly and pursue continual improvement in water efficiency, conservation and reuse across the University.

By implementing these initiatives, we aim to promote water management, improve water efficiency, conserve water resources and explore feasible opportunities for water reuse. The University encourages all members to participate in these efforts and adopt practices that support the sustainable use and protection of water resources.

Waste Management Policy

The Education University of Hong Kong pledges to ensure the effective and sustainable management of waste generated by all students, staff members, contractors, visitors, and the general public using the University’s venues, premises or facilities.  A comprehensive waste management system is established. 

In pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, the University will take all reasonably practicable measures to comply with statutory requirements relevant to waste management.  In addition, we strive to apply internationally recognized standards, practices and protocols in waste management in order to achieve the following missions. 

• Provision of a safe and environmental-friendly ambience for work, study, research, activity, and residence. 
• Identification of all potential waste streams in the activities of the University and reduction to a minimum of any waste that may create. 
• Minimization of plastic consumption, particularly single-use and unnecessary plastic products.
• Reduction in the use of disposable items through the promotion of reusable, refillable and durable alternatives.
• Provision of processes for the segregation, collection, storage, recycling, and disposal of waste that are efficient, safe, and harmless to the general public health of personnel and the environment. 
• Maximization of recycling and resource recovery, with residual waste sent to landfill only where reuse, recycling or other appropriate recovery options are not practicable.
• Provision of information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure the effective execution of waste management practices. 
• Implementation of measures to monitor and enhance the effectiveness of the waste management program by continuous inspection, audit and checking.
• Implementation of a sustainable waste management initiative that is supportive of the University’s strategic development plan. 
• Recording and tracking the quantity of waste generated and recycled to facilitate monitoring and continuous improvement of waste management performance. 

Through the implementation of this Policy, the University will promote responsible consumption, reduce reliance on single-use and plastic items, increase resource recovery and minimize the amount of waste requiring disposal at landfill. Waste data will be recorded and reviewed, where practicable, to monitor waste generation, reduction, recycling and disposal performance. Relevant waste management arrangements will be periodically reviewed and improved to support statutory compliance, protect public health and the environment, and advance the University’s sustainability objectives.

Marine Pollution Reduction Policy

The Education University of Hong Kong is committed to preventing and reducing marine pollution arising from construction, maintenance, landscaping and other land-based activities on campuses. We manage potential sources of pollution in accordance with applicable legislation and its relevant green policies and guidelines. We shall:

• Prevent wastewater, sediment, oils, chemicals, litter and other pollutants from entering drains, sewers and nearby water bodies;
• Minimize polluted runoff and chemical use through sustainable construction, maintenance and landscaping practices;
• Maintain suitable drainage and pollution-control facilities;
• Provide relevant guidance to staff, students, contractors and visitors;
• Respond promptly to spills, abnormal discharges and pollution incidents; and
• Promote responsible behaviour to protect local aquatic and marine ecosystems.

We will review and improve its measures for preventing land-based marine pollution as appropriate, with the aim of protecting water quality and supporting the conservation of Hong Kong’s aquatic and marine environment.

Green Guidelines for Events of the University

The "Green Guidelines for Events of the University" aims to facilitate faculties, academies, departments, offices and student bodies of the University to integrate green practices into all events of the University, including Information Days, Registration Days, Orientation Days, Graduation Ceremonies, Sports Days, exhibitions, conferences and seminars, etc. The guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive but intend to give directions on the key action items which shall be applicable to event management in general. Innovative ideas implementing green practices that go beyond the guidelines are always welcome.

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Last reviewed: October 2026