SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Background
With the aim to put sustainability goals into practice, the University’s Sustainability Policy guides the community to consume responsibly through conserving the environment, minimizing waste and reducing its ecological footprint. HKU’s Estates Office is responsible for ensuring campus waste is reused, recycled or disposed in a responsible manner with policies on Waste Management and Material Recycling / Reuse.
The disposal of chemical and clinical waste generated from teaching and research work at the university must also follow guidelines under the Waste Disposal Regulations as well as procedures outlined by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). These regulations aim not only to ensure safety for the community, but also to protect the environment by prreventing chemical waste from leaking into water sources.
To cut down the detrimental effects of single-use plastic on our environment, the University focuses on reducing single-use plastic at source by committing to a gradual reduction and eventual ban on disposable plastic items. HKU has also pledged to support HK government’s Green Event Guidebook to ensure campus event organisers avoid the use of unnecessary disposable items, and reuse, recycle and dispose waste responsibly.
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of courses and research.
Teaching
51
courses
7,095
students enrolled
Research
13
papers (in 2017)
To extend the useful life of library resources while also reducing waste, the HKU Libraries entered into a long-term loan agreement with Xiamen University in 2015. Rather than being discarded, duplicate copies of HKU libraries’ materials which have not been used for 6 years are sent to Xiamen University for use by its students and staff.
Initiative
The University takes on the responsibility to promote and facilitate sustainable consumption and procurement practices through various outreach and awareness building initiatives in collaboration with different sectors in the society. In 2016, HKU hosted a public engagement initiative in collaboration with the Council for Sustainable Development to raise awareness on sustainable consumption of biological resources. The campaign focused on clothing, food, shelter, fuel, and medicine. In 2017, HKU collaborated with NGOs, social enterprises and the fashion industry to raise awareness on the impact of fast fashion on both a humanitarian and environmental level. Participants were encouraged to make responsible decisions and consider green and ethical alternatives.
Operations
Solid Waste
Recycling