SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Recognizing the urgent need to address food insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture, HKUST encourages research in efficient food production while educating our community about sustainable food systems and food security. Through our policies, we ensure that we’re promoting sustainable catering practices across our campus and ensuring staff and students have access to more meatless food options to promote healthy eating on campus.
Curriculum
32 related courses were offered in the 2021-22 academic year.
Research
From 2018 to 2022, HKUST has published 34 research papers related to SDG 2.
Our research examines the impact of human activity on future food security and how we can adapt farming for a changing climate. Adapting Food Cultivation to Climate Change in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna River Delta examines land cultivation adaptation methods highly vulnerable regions, and studies the non-cultivation adaptation strategies such as consumption smoothing, income diversification, and migration.
Policy
The HKUST Sustainable Catering Policy extends our sustainable food practices, food waste reduction strategies, and responsible consumption principles to our catering partners. We require the use of cleaning materials that reduce the impact on land and water ecosystems, and our caterers prepare sustainable food plans that adhere to recognized sustainable seafood guidelines.We also encourage the adoption of organic farming and prioritize learning experiences for our community to that teach responsible food Consumption.
Sustainable Food Engagement
To promote a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices and food security risks, our community outreach programs such as the Fellowship with Feeding Hong Kong and volunteering with HKUST Bread Run. These programs raise awareness, but encourage students to participate directly towards reducing food waste, addressing food insecurity, and promoting sustainable food systems within our community.
August 2022: Students distributing food with AEF Civic Fellow @ Feeding Hong Kong
October 2022: Collecting surplus food with Feeding Hong Kong
The HKUST Community Garden was established in 2021 by a group of volunteers in the HKUST community. Through organic farming practices, including seed traceability and natural pest control, the garden fosters great understanding and appreciation of land conservation techniques and sustainable land use. The garden's collaborative approach extends to the broader community, thus creating a shared commitment to sustainable food production and responsible consumption.
The HKUST Community Garden community
Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab
The Sustainable Movable Vertical Garden project explores critical success factors when designing a self-sustaining, carbon-negative vertical farm on our property. Powered by solar energy, the farm utilizes hydroponic or aeroponic techniques within a compact footprint to optimize resource utilization. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, the project aims to enhance food security while mitigating climate change.
Sustainable Movable Vertical Garden: this Living Lab project seeks to explore how to design a self-sustaining aquaponics farm.