SDG 12: responsible consumption and production

77 related courses were offered in the 2021-22 academic year. 

From 2018 to 2022, HKUST published 217 research paper on sustainable production and consumption in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. 

To support researchers, industry practitioners, and students, we launched the Life Cycle Lab platform to deliver Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) training materials, tools, and workshops to strengthen the understanding of the environmental, economic, and social impact of consumption.  The Life Cycle Lab aims to demonstrate the importance of LCA in the development of more sustainable products and circular system design, product labelling, behavioural research and consumer education as well as policy making. 

HKUST is committed to creating a sustainable campus setting where resources are utilized responsibly and all members of the community have the capacity to thrive within a healthy environment. Under the Operational Guidelines on Sustainable Purchasing policy, we provide Green Purchasing Principles as well as expectations for our suppliers to support HKUST's commitment to creating a sustainable campus. 

With the support of the Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Programme, the SDG#12 GAMIthon equipped students to brainstorm sustainable consumption solutions by creatively applying gamification.  This two-day hackathon brought together participants from all eight major universities in Hong Kong to form teams to develop a solution and win HKD25,000 funding for game development and mentorship. 

We monitor and manage our waste generation, disposal, and recycling practices and share data with our community. This information allows us to identify areas of excessive waste production and implement measures to reduce waste at the source. While we constantly strive to increase recycling rates, we recognize the vital role of reducing our consumption and reusing what we already have. To support this, we held “repair party” workshops that teach participants how to fix their electronic devices, thereby reducing waste and extending the life of their existing goods. 

We aim to create an environment where our community also works closely with PARKnSHOP to to eliminate disposable plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables.  

Additionally, the university aims to reduce landfill waste by 50% through campaigns like Bottled Water-free Campus Campaign and installing the AI Reusable Meal Container Lending System resulting in over 700 tons of waste reduction since 2014, showcasing the younger generation's environmental consciousness. 

The ban of single-use bottled water on campus since 2018 aims to eliminate the use of disposable plastic water bottles on campus. Initiatives include distributing reusable UST branded water bottles to new students, installing water fountains with bottle-filling capabilities, and raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic bottles. Offices and departments are encouraged to eliminate disposable bottles at meetings and events, opting for reusable alternatives. The campaign has garnered support from various units, and students are encouraged to bring their own bottles and refill them at water fountains. By promoting sustainable options, HKUST seeks to reduce plastic waste and promote a culture of environmental responsibility.