HKUST NET-Zero action Plan 2045

Following extensive consultations, HKUST's Action Plan is the first comprehensive net-zero blueprint released by a higher education institution in Hong Kong. It sets ambitious targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, aiming for a 50% decrease by 2035 and full net-zero by 2045. This plan builds upon the university's previous success, having already reduced GHG emissions by 34% since the launch of its first sustainability master plan in 2014.

This plan is supported by a commitment of HK$30 million earned from renewable energy generation to further accelerate research and adoption of innovative decarbonization solutions on the Clearwater Bay campus.

The Action Plan leverages the University’s 2020 and 2028 Sustainability Challenges by offering an essential framework that harnesses the University’s research, teaching, and operational capabilities in a way that ensures that we mitigate climate change while pursuing the University’s mission.

Five strategic areas for action will be adopted:

1. All new buildings must be designed and operated as net-zero carbon buildings

2. Invest aggressively in energy conservation, renewables and decarbonization

3. Implement measures that allow us to adapt to become resilient to climate and weather changes

4. Create viable pathways to net-zero research and skill-building

5. Create sensible cost-recovery mechanisms to fund decarbonization actions

HKUST will conduct regular reviews of the Net-Zero Action Plan, with updates provided regularly to ensure transparency on progress towards goals. For the most recent update, please refer to the 2024 / 25 Progress Update. 

Going forward, we seek to expand partnerships with industry, academia and government on sustainability and climate, and using our campus as a test bed for net-zero research and incubating low-carbon solutions. Through external collaborators, HKUST seeks to share our know-how and expand the living lab off-campus, broadening our impact to the rest of Hong Kong.