Energy and Greenhouse Gas
HKUST’s energy management approach encompasses strategies to invest significantly in energy efficiency across all operations and laboratories, to maximize on-site renewable energy production, and to source and test step-change innovations to benefit the campus and our region.
Under the 2031 Strategic Plan, HKUST commits to becoming a global Exemplar of Best-in-class Sustainable and Quality Practices which includes the implementation of its climate action plan.
In addition to operational improvements, sustainability education, knowledge advancement, and investments, the 2045 Net Zero Action Plan further recognizes the opportunity and challenge of rapidly growing campus, and the need for financial mechanisms to facilitate long-term perspective in capital investments to decarbonize our campus operations.
Additionally, the strategy emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and community involvement, creating a culture of sustainability that encourages responsible energy consumption practices. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement, this strategy seeks to position organizations as leaders in sustainability and contribute positively to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
In the 2022-23 period, HKUST's total energy consumption amounted to 99.8 million kWh, resulting in total GHG emissions of 38,570 tons of CO2-equivalent. This marks a 38% reduction in scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions compared to the 2014 baseline.
Using the baseline year of 2014, our Energy and GHG goals is to exceed the Hong Kong Government energy target by reaching a 15% reduction and reduce GHG emissions by 40% (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 2028. Here are the strategies we adopted in 2022-23:
Category |
2022-23 Tactic |
2022-23 Progress & Key Activities |
Energy Consumption Reduction |
Continue with incremental improvements in lighting, equipment, and air conditioning system upgrades. Review and revise policies to facilitate the centralization and sharing of equipment. |
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| Incorporate metering and sensor data for more accurate analytics and ability to make changes rapidly and predictively. |
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Policies & Standards |
Develop high performance renovation strategies to increase performance for every new space retrofit, with an emphasis on windows and building envelope. |
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| Adopt LCC and LCA evaluation metrics as standard. |
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Renewable Expansion |
Complete Solar project and develop a phase II renewable project that includes non-traditional locations and building integrated technologies. |
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Pilot Research Implementation |
Fast-track Sustainable Smart Campus (SSC) projects as pilots for larger implementation opportunities. |
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Green Labs |
Form a Green Lab Task Force to evaluate policies, procedures, space allocation, and current lab practices with the goal of identifying and removing roadblocks to aggressive changes within laboratories. |
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| Develop a comprehensive plan for refurbishing labs over the next ten years with an emphasis on resource efficiency. |
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- Divesting investments from carbon: The ESG Investment Policy (refer to section 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 in the document) outlines the university’s strategy to diversify investments with the goal of eliminating investments in fossil fuels while increasing investments in renewable energy resources. The policy details the divestment strategy for fossil fuel investments, and discusses the measurement approach, which involves conducting annual reviews and adopting portfolio holdings that align with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
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Carbon and emission reduction: HKUST 2028 Sustainability Challenge has established baseline measurements and set energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 2028. Using 2014 as the baseline year, HKUST’s target is to achieve a 40% reduction in GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2028. This is aimed to support the university's Net-Zero Action Plan's commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon university by 2045.
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Climate Action Plan: The Net-Zero Action Plan serves as a strategic guide for HKUST to realize our commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Building upon previous Sustainability Challenges, this strategic framework leverages HKUST's research, teaching, and operational capacities to mitigate climate change in alignment with its mission. The plan targets the reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to zero by 2045, Scope 3 emissions are monitored and managed separately.
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Governance: The Action Plan is governed by key bodies including the Sustainable Operations Executive Committee (OpCo), overseeing campus operations and funding alignment, the Net-Zero Education Committee (NZEC) promoting educational resources globally, the Sustainable Smart Campus (SSC) supporting decarbonization projects, and the Sustainability/Net-Zero Office (SUST) managing the plan and tracking performance. Senior Leadership reviews progress annually, updating the University Council on the path to achieving net-zero emissions.
Conferences, open data projects, seminar/workshop
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Cooperation for climate action: The Climate Adaptation & Resilience Conference (CARE2022) is the first large-scale climate adaptation event in Hong Kong. The conference received broad attention and support from the HKSAR Government and both public and private sectors. The conference focused on climate adaptation and mediation, featuring policy discussions, academic presentations, and workshops to strengthen the city's resilience. The event marked a significant milestone for Hong Kong's climate adaptation efforts. (industry, gov)
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Cooperative planning for climate change: The Climate, Weather and Water Forum (CWWF): is an ongoing annual event with the objective to facilitate dialog among scientists, engineers, students, public and private enterprises and government entities on pressing issues related to climate change, weather extremes, water availability, and sustainability. The CWWF aims to address the changing climate, prepare for extreme weather, preserve depleting water, and build a sustainable future. (community, gov, industry)
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Supporting the government in climate goal: The Northern Metropolis Project spearheaded by HKUST aims to help support and shape sustainable development in the Northern Metropolis development proposed by the HKSAR Government. With HK's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and national decarbonization goals, the project serves as a crucial platform for sustainable development discussions, offering insights and support, and covers a spectrum of topics including government restructuring, green financing, nature-based solutions, sea level rise mitigation, clean energy collaboration, innovation hubs, digitalization, green infrastructure, green buildings, and re-industrialization promotion. (gov)
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Supporting government in GHG reduction efforts: The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department (HKEPD) and HKUST have joined forces to study and develop science-based strategies for regional ozone and photochemical smog control. Through a combination of diverse expertise and advanced technology, the project aims to enhance the understanding of GHG emission sources, transport pathways, and transformation processes contributing to ozone and smog formation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, tackling the greater area air quality and climate issues. (gov)
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Support to government in disaster early warning and monitoring: The City-Scale Slope Digital Twin is developed to assist policymakers and the community in better forecasting and emergency response to landslide, leveraging the data analysis and technological advances opened up by the digital era. Aligned with climate action efforts, this transformative project, supported by local and international partners, seeks to not only enhance disaster preparedness and urban resilience but also mitigate the environmental impact of natural disasters, contributing to sustainable urban development.
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Clean energy technology development and support: The Energy Institute Technology Showcase 2022 demonstrated HKUST’s commitment on green technologies and our response to China’s mission on carbon neutrality and HK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. At the Showcase, HKUST members presented studies on next-generation green energy sources and energy-efficient technologies. Attended by government officials, industry leaders, and academics, the showcase facilitated idea exchange and collaboration for increased use of green and renewable energy. (industry, gov)
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Improving energy efficiency and clean energy in the industry: The HKUST Industry Engagement Day 2022 connected faculty members with local industry partners, showcasing research efforts in Smart Living and raising awareness of energy insecurity risks. The event covered topics such as fuel cells, hydrogen production and storage, batteries, and energy-efficient materials technologies, providing a platform for knowledge exchange on addressing challenges in sustainable energy through academia-industry partnerships. (industry)
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Enhancing sustainability reporting in the industry: The Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group and HKUST jointly launched two greenhouse gas emissions calculation and estimation tools to facilitate sustainability reporting by corporates and financial institutions in Hong Kong. These tools, available for public access on the Steering Group's website, aim to improve the transparency and quality of sustainability-related data, aiding private sector decarbonization efforts.
Assess the tools here:
- Renewable energy pledge beyond the university: Sino Land, a local property developer, collaborated with HKUST to develop the Sino Land Decarbonization Blueprint which sets science-based targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The blueprint includes initiatives like installing renewable energy sources, and the collaboration aims to translate academic research into effective solutions for the building industry and wider community, promoting sustainability and addressing climate change. (industry)
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Assistance to low-carbon innovation: The Social Entrepreneurship Exchange 2022 showcased innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. Workshops and booths were hosted to provide a platform for social entrepreneurs to network, learn from each other, and showcase their work. The event featured many low-carbon startups, including Breer, CrossKnow, and Not Only Powder, which received funding from Chan Dang Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Award for their innovative approach. (community)
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Environmental education collaboration with NGO: Clean Air Challenge is a HK-wide student engagement campaign, which is part of the broader "Clean Air Neighborhood" campaign initiated by Clean Air Network (CAN), an independent NGO in partnership with HKUST. The campaign aims to empower youth and raise public awareness about air pollution and its impact on climate. The Challenge reaches out to all secondary schools in Hong Kong, with the vision to empower youths with science and technology skills and knowledge and to encourage them to participate in developing creative solution ideas for solving air pollution problems impacting climate. (13.3.5 NGOs)
- Energy-efficient new buildings: The Net-Zero Building Standards (refer to appendix 1 section 4.5 in the document) adhere to the Platinum Standard of performance for BEAM Plus* which requires new buildings to have low energy design, energy efficiency practices and adoption of renewable energy. The HKUST Standards mandate that all designs surpass the maximum number of points available in the BEAM Plus checklist.
*BEAM Plus is Hong Kong’s green building tools developed by Hong Kong Green Building Council. The tool covers sustainability performance criteria relating to planning, design, construction, commissioning, fitting out, management, operation and maintenance of a building, and is aligned with local regulations, standards and codes of practice. A pre-requisite of BEAM Plus requires the project to demonstrate performance improvement or at least compliance based on the latest edition of the Building Energy Code.
- Energy-efficient renovations: The Sustainable Office Standards & Guidelines (refer to section 8 in the document) emphasize the use of sustainable technologies such as energy-efficient lighting and temperature controls for office spaces under 500m2 to boost energy efficiency, reduce ecological impact, enhance productivity, and support well-being. Meanwhile, the Campus Renewal Plan (CRP) oversees energy-efficient building renovations exceeding 500m2, encompassing a continuous evaluation of the campus's older building inventory to devise sustainable renewal and upgrade strategies. These efforts align structures with contemporary quality, sustainability, and operational standards, with funding sourced from governmental, university, and grant avenues to introduce innovative technologies for enhanced energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
- Renewable energy project: HKUST’s Solar Energy Generation Project began in 2020 and the university will install up to 8,000 solar panels at over 50 locations on campus. In 2022-23, the accumulated renewable energy power generated is over 9.5 millions kWh. The University will strive to increase renewable energy installations through its Phase II solar project which includes non-traditional locations and building integrated technologies in the near future.
- Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines: HKUST promotes sustainable practices in sourcing, workspace management, and renovations. The guidelines highlight the procurement of Energy Efficiency Label Grade One appliances, efficient lighting controls, and energy-saving temperature techniques. Emphasis is also placed on evaluation based on top energy performance standards locally and internationally for the equipment being purchased, and suppliers adopting strategies to minimize their life cycle environmental impact like adopting renewable energy.
Reference our policies here:
HKUST Sustainable Office Standards & Guidelines
Operational Guidelines on Sustainable Purchasing
Sustainable Purchasing Requirements for Suppliers and Contractors
- Energy-efficient building upgrades: The Campus Renewal Plan (CRP) is an ongoing exercise to evaluate of the older building stock on campus to establish sustainable long-term renewal and upgrade strategies. These upgrades are geared towards aligning our current buildings with contemporary standards of quality, design, sustainability performance, maintenance, and operational efficiency. Funds from the government, university council, and other grant opportunities will be maximized for new technologies that could improve energy efficiency and carbon savings.
- EV infrastructure upgrade: The Electric Vehicle Enhancement Project aims to support the emission reduction goals in the HKUST 2028 Sustainability Challenge, aiming to make the university the most EV-friendly in Hong Kong. With an investment of up to HK$40 million, 30% of total parking spaces will be upgraded with charging capability and software support for EVs. Upon completion, around 360 parking spots will feature medium EV chargers with a minimum output power of 7kW.
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Conserving energy on campus: Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) are being implemented on campus structures to achieve high performance and energy efficient designs standards. Completed energy-efficient upgrade operation projects (refer to page 20 of the ESG report) in 2022-23 include:
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Air handling unit (AHU) replacement with electronically commutated (EC) motor fans, resulting in an over 10% energy consumption reduction.
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Lab fume hood sash modification & sensors, resulting in 17,300 kWh energy reduction and 6.7 tonnes CO₂ avoided in 6 months.
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Lift modernized with energy regenerative drive system, resulting in approximately 30% energy savings compared to non-regenerative counterparts.
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Lighting upgraded with led & motion sensors, resulting in a 60% reduction on average in lighting energy.
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Conserving energy in laboratories: The Green Lab Working Group is a trans-disciplinary group set up in HKUST to kick start energy conservation initiatives in research labs. The energy project focused on optimizing lab fume hood usage through modifications and the installation of occupancy sensors. By analyzing data from these sensors and outreach efforts to alert users about energy wastage due to open fume hoods, significant progress was made.
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Energy tracking: Electrical sub-meters have been deployed in all spaces – including labs, offices, dorm rooms, canteens, and public areas for real-time energy consumption monitoring, enabling the pinpointing of inefficiencies and optimization of performance. Additionally, an energy tracking dashboard (refer to page 21 of the document) has been created to assess various metrics like cooling energy, consumption patterns, peak demands, renewable energy generation, and water usage per building. Hourly data comparisons with baseline periods help identify trends and anomalies for enhanced energy management.
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Energy consumption monitoring: HKUST actively collects and displays energy consumption data on its public website, detailing consumption patterns across campus areas and key energy drivers like chiller plants. This data undergoes monthly scrutiny, and recommendations will be offered to the HKUST Energy Team for targeted interventions in energy management, including identification of energy wastage and efficiency enhancements.
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The HKUST Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) initiative is a transformative endeavor that envisions our campus as a dynamic hub for learning, experimentation, and innovation. By leveraging the SSC framework, our campus serves as a prime testing ground for pioneering research to support sustainability initiatives, driving technological advancements in support of global climate action objectives.
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Clean energy research: Elastocaloric Green Cooling Initiative at HKUST is a project that introduces a novel solid-state elastocaloric refrigeration technology, aiming to revolutionize refrigeration and cooling systems by eliminating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and recyclability issue in conventional refrigeration methods. This technology enhances cooling power and energy efficiency, promoting a greener approach to refrigeration within our campus.
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Climate research: The Algae-based Carbon Capture System is a project that focuses on creating a fully automatic photobioreactor system using algae to capture carbon dioxide, aiming to reduce the campus' carbon footprint and support global climate action efforts. This innovative system, incorporating nanobubble algae technology with a Low-Energy Separation System, not only advances sustainable practices but also serves as an educational tool for students, fostering a culture of innovation and environmental awareness.
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Advancing energy and climate research: Perovskite is a prominent research topic in HKUST due to their high-absorption coefficient, long diffusion length, and superior charge-transport properties, making them well-suited for various applications like photovoltaics, LEDs, and waveguides. Researchers at HKUST have made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite application. These advancements underscore the potential in revolutionizing the fields of energy generation and optoelectronics, contributing to carbon and greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts and supporting climate action initiatives.
Examples of our perovskite research: