Sustainability Literacy Survey
At HKUST, we are committed to fostering a deep understanding of sustainability for all students and staff. Sustainability literacy is essential for preparing individuals to address sustainability challenges and contribute to Hong Kong’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To track our progress and further improve sustainability education and operations, we conduct Sustainability Literacy Survey for measuring sustainability literacy across our community. By evaluating the ability to learn and retain key concepts of sustainability, we gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of our educational and operational sustainability initiatives.
Methodology
HKUST employs recognized methodology to assess understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental issues and challenges. We have identified material sustainability topics to include UN SDGs, climate change basics, ESG issues, systems thinking, global poverty and social equity. This aligns with Hong Kong’s strategic climate directives like Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, Climate Action Plan 2030+, and Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0.
With reference to the guidelines from Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), tailored questions are designed by HKUST faculty and Sustainability / Net-Zero Office to assess our community's understanding of these issues. Our assessments comprised of multiple-choice questions, with explanation and references for “correct”, “incorrect” and “I don’t know” responses after each attempt. This survey is shared with all staff and students.
Sustainability Literacy Survey Results
From 2021 to 2023, HKUST conducted a Sustainability Literacy Quiz survey, engaging our students to measure their sustainability knowledge. Students who participated included students from each student cohort and school. This voluntary survey, covered a wide range of sustainability areas, such as UN Sustainability Development Goals, HK 2030 Decarbonization Strategy and Futures-thinking concept. Results indicated that Year 4 students demonstrated a better understanding of sustainability, scoring higher on average than other year groups. Students from Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies consistently register higher scores, particularly for 3rd and 4th year students. The findings from our previous survey can be reviewed here.
Students in Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, especially in their 3rd and 4th year students consistently register higher scores.
In our upcoming survey, the measurement pool will be expanded to include all staff (academic and non-academic) and post-graduate students. Updates have been made to reference the latest Hong Kong Government’s sustainability related strategic plans and one additional question on climate resilience to reflect the increasing focus after experiencing super typhoons and major flooding. Please visit this year's survey here.
Student Sustainability Education and Staff Training at HKUST
For students, sustainability education is provided through the Common Core Program, Sustainability Education Advisory Group (SEAG), Design Thinking Workshop, Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Programme, and Green Team. For more information on sustainability education for student, please visit our website.
For staff, sustainability training is provided for staff through online modules on Life Cycle Thinking, sustainability seminars, sustainable volunteering opportunities, hands-on workshops, and engagement initiatives to foster sustainable operations. For more information on sustainability training for staff, please visit our website.