Partnerships 

At the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), we are committed to building impactful partnerships that drive sustainability initiatives forward. Through collaborative initiatives with global and local entities, we aim to catalyze innovation, foster cross-sector dialogues, and champion sustainable practices to address pressing global challenges from a regional standpoint.

 

Global Partnership

 

The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)

HKUST is part of the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), a global forum fostering collaboration among higher education institutions to advance sustainable campus operations, research, and teaching practices.  

Recognized for our Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) initiative, we received the Honorary Member Award from ISCN in 2022, aiming to addressing global sustainability challenges and fostering sustainability mindset with innovations that focused on improving the public good. 

Honorary Member Award 2022: Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) initiative 

As a member of the ISCN Living Labs Community of Practice, HKUST representatives have also shared sustainability progress and innovative ideas on our campus at ISCN conferences in Mexico (2023) and Lausanne (2024), underscoring our commitment to sustainability.  

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) 

HKUST is an active member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative that unites universities, think tanks, and national laboratories for action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Collaborating with various stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, SDSN supports science-based approaches for SDG implementation, monitors progress, and promotes peer learning to achieve global, regional, and local sustainability targets. As university leaders, HKUST is a joint signatory in Support of The Summit of the Future, committed to supporting the SDGs and other global sustainability objectives, recognizing universities' pivotal role in advancing sustainable development worldwide.  

Joint Declaration on Embracing a Living Lab Approach to Promote Carbon Neutrality 

The Joint Declaration on Embracing a Living Lab Approach to Promote Carbon Neutrality, spearheaded by HKUST, unites universities globally to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for all. Acknowledging universities' pivotal role in research and innovation to mitigate climate impacts, we commit to advancing carbon-neutral solutions through our campuses as "living labs." This commitment includes upholding UN Sustainable Development Goal 13, fostering hands-on research and learning, nurturing partnerships for campus-based innovation, sharing best practices, and driving research to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations. 

Lab Zero Campus Alliance 

The Lab Zero Campus Alliance is initiated by HKUST with the aim to drive accelerated applied research in campus and regional decarbonization challenges through a "Living Lab" approach, recognizing its efficacy in translating lab bench research into tangible cost-effective solutions. By focusing on capacity-building, research collaboration, and regional partnerships, the Alliance seeks to drive sustainable solutions while promoting knowledge sharing and innovation. As the permanent secretariat, HKUST will oversee Alliance activities, including community engagement, workshops, case studies, and collaborative research projects, ensuring effective coordination and support for members. 

 

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 

HKUST is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a leading association for the advancement of sustainability in higher education. As a designated institution for Centers for Sustainability Across the Curriculum to increase the accessibility and diversity of sustainability-oriented training, HKUST offers workshops to support faculty from other institutions in addressing diverse sustainability challenges and interests. 

 

Local Partnerships

 

Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium (HKSCC) 

HKUST plays a pivotal role within the Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium (HKSCC), a platform established by the Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to facilitate collaboration among higher education institutions in Hong Kong on sustainability initiatives.  

The HKSCC, comprising members from eight publicly-funded universities, focuses on sharing best practices, implementing the Hong Kong Declaration, which HKUST help to set and draft key strategies for, and monitoring environmental performance indicators in the sector.  

HKUST serves as co-chair for the Working Group on Sustainability Performance, the Working Group on Sustainability Education, the Working Group on Joint University Campaigns, and the Steering Committee on the Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Programme.  

HKUST was the convenor for the HKSCC and chair its executive committee in 2020.  

 

Industry Partners

 

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) 

HKUST collaborates with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to advance sustainable technology innovation and development.  

HKUST is a supporting organization for HKSTP's "Green in Prop+Con" initiative, which serves as a platform to source and match global and local green tech solutions with corporate partners' specific ESG needs.  

Additionally, the HKUST x HKSTP Co-Ideation Program is an entrepreneurship supporting program to support aspiring entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into viable businesses, including mentorship, training, and a direct pathway to HKSTP's Incubation program, fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurial success and sustainable technological advancement. 

Hong Kong Green Tech Challenge 

HKUST is a Corporate Partner of the Hong Kong Green Tech Challenge, a joint imitative between Carbonless and the HKSTP. The Challenge aims to identify tangible opportunities in the building and construction portfolios to adopt and deploy green technologies in support of our sustainability and net-zero roadmaps. The university provides opportunity statements, use cases and projects in our pipelines to the Challenge.