SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 

68 related courses were offered in the 2022-23 academic year. 

According to Science Direct, from 2019 to 2023, HKUST published 414 research papers addressing SDG 6.

About 46% of them are in the top 10% cite score and nearly 72% are internationally co-authored.

Publication

Under the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), the Lead contamination in high-rise building water supply systems project Investigated the complex interactions causing lead concentration in Hong Kong's water networks. By combining experiments, modelling, and material examination, the university aims to mitigate lead contamination and ensure safe drinking water while fostering responsible water usage and sustainable consumption.

 Smart Water Network

The Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) project "Smart Water Network" develops a remote and automated monitoring system to control the urban water supply system to combat the aging and weakened pipes, and ensure a secure water supply for HKUST and all of Hong Kong.

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Urban Spring Smart Hub

Through the Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab (SSC) initiative, the Urban Spring Smart Hub project was developed to enhance drinking water facility management and raise water quality awareness by integrating with 50 water dispensers. By collecting data for efficient management and displaying information on saved bottles and water consumption through public dashboards, the Smart Hub encourages environmental consciousness.

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Building Standards to Minimize Water Use

HKUST High Performance Building Standards & Guidelines prioritize water conservation and sustainability. Guidelines include using efficient toilets, avoiding potable water for landscaping, and repurposing condensate water from air conditioning systems for irrigation or other uses, promoting water efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Prevention of water contamination

HKUST has strict regulations on the disposal of hazardous materials and liquid effluent. The Disposal of Hazardous Materials and Items under Regulatory Control stated our strict regulations for the disposal of hazardous materials such as chemical, radioactive, and biological wastes. In terms of Liquid Effluent, HKUST follows environmental standards set by the Environmental Protection Department, conducts regular monitoring and analysis, and prohibits the disposal of hazardous materials into the sewer system. These Guidelines aims to protect water resources and the environment, and prevent contaminations from entering water bodies, safeguarding water quality, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for everyone.

HKUST Water Resources Lab Visit

The HKUST Water Resources Lab Visit, co-organized by the "Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers" and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, offers an opportunity to explore two key aspects. Participants will visit the water lab to learn about the innovative use of waves to conserve water and energy. Additionally, they will visit the Smart Water Network project on campus, where waves have led to the development of novel technology. 

Smart Showerhead Program

HKUST, as the project management office of the Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Program (JCSCCP), launched the Water-Saving Smart Showerhead Program in eight universities with the aim to reduce per capita water consumption by 5%. The showerheads have an integrated water-powered LED light that changes color based on water usage. With a design that cuts water consumption by 26%, the showerheads promote responsible water consumption. A real-time water consumption dashboard will be implemented to raise awareness and encourage student engagement, including challenges and rewards for water-saving halls. 

Free Drinking Water for Students, Staff and Visitors

HKUST takes pride in its clean and safe drinking water supply, backed by government monitoring and adherence to international guidelines. With over 150 water fountains equipped with filters and UV disinfection systems across the campus, the university ensures the best quality water for its community. The Health, Safety, and Environment Office (HSEO) conducts regular monitoring and testing, while the Facilities Management Office (FMO) maintains and upgrades the fountains. 

Water Conservation Initiative

As part of the university's ongoing water conservation efforts, a Water Conservation Initiative has been implemented in the student dormitories. The initiative has piloted the installation of smart showerheads in two residence halls, covering a total of 87 showerheads that are accessible to 1,034 students. Early results have shown up to a 45% reduction in water use in these dorms. Building on this success, the university aims to retrofit all showerheads across campus with these water-efficient models. By proactively addressing water consumption in student living spaces, the university sets an example of conscious resource usage and empowers the campus community to adopt sustainable habits.

GGT Rainwater Reuse 

The Global Graduate Tower on campus has implemented a successful rainwater harvesting system that demonstrates the university's commitment to sustainable water practices. The system collects A/C condensate and rainwater, storing it in a 37 cubic meter fiberglass tank. After passing through a filtration and UV sterilization process, the harvested water is used to irrigate 950 square meters of landscaping. This initiative saves an impressive 1,200 liters of potable water consumption per year, promoting more conscious water usage across the campus community. By showcasing innovative water conservation efforts like the GGT Rainwater Reuse project, the university encourages students, faculty, and staff to adopt eco-friendly behaviors and help preserve this vital natural resource.

HKUST has upgraded our central chiller plant into a district cooling system which resulted in significant cost and energy savings. By adopting seawater-cooled central chilling and expanding the capacity of the plant instead of constructing a new system, HKUST increased efficiency and reduced our carbon footprint. The upgrade saved annual energy consumption, reduced operation costs, and reused waste heat, aligning with HKUST's commitment to sustainability and its goal of reducing energy consumption by 15% by 2028. 

In 2022-23, our total water consumption was 507,161m3, annual cooling tower bleed-off reuse amounted to 16,366m3, and in 2022, it was 8,724m3. We also incorporate rainwater for irrigation and flushing. These efforts to track our water consumption and water reused , which help promote responsible water usage, optimize resource allocation, drive behavioral change, and inform decision-making, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all while promoting sustainable water practices. 

The Institute for the Environment (IENV) at HKUST focuses on water technology and resource management to address pressing issues related to water resources in Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta region, and mainland China. IENV conducts interdisciplinary research to develop innovative solutions in areas like water and wastewater treatment technology, urban water resource management, micro-pollutant control, and the effects of rainwater and flooding on natural environments. The institute aims to contribute to sustainable development by advancing water technology and sound resource management practices. The research conducted by IENV has the potential for significant local and global impact in addressing water-related environmental challenges.