SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy
Background
With technological advancement being a key enabler of sustainable development, the University has been investing in research and development of sustainable energy solutions. One example is the internationally renowned research project on wireless power transfer (WPT). HKU played a leading role in the formation of the world’s first WPT standard, “Qi”. WPT can power a wide range of portable electronic devices and has the potential to support and accelerate the development of electric vehicles, thereby enabling a future of smart cities. A related project is the “Sustainable Power Delivery Structures for High Renewables” initiated in 2015 which investigates how renewable energy can be delivered in future electrical grids reliably. HKU has also partnered with Cambridge University to establish the Clean Energy and Environment Research Platform (CEERP) to enable scholars, industry, citizens and governments to collaborate and engage in research and policy-development. Recent work includes examining the correlation between air pollution and social deprivation, and how big data can be leveraged to analyze and improve air quality and climate risk.
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of courses and research.
Teaching
25
courses
3,999
students enrolled
Research
35
papers (in 2017)
Initiative
In 2015, HKU collaborated with Blue Sky Energy Technology and launched the ‘Smart Meter, Smart Energy’ pilot programme in New College to reduce energy consumption through data driven solutions and student engagement. Smart meters were installed and connected to digital dashboards that show real-time energy usage. Engagement programmes were also held to create a sense of community and increase sustainability knowledge among residents. Through data transparency, students are able to understand the implications of their daily habits and are empowered to take ownership and make smarter decisions. Students also came up with innovative data-driven initiatives such as fan rental, pantry sharing schemes, and better lighting solutions to reduce energy consumption. Since the launch of the program, energy awareness among New College residents has risen by 44% while electricity use has decreased by over 20%. With this success, the project will be expanded to all four residential halls in the Jockey Club Student Village III in 2018, reaching more than 1,800 students a year. The initiative is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and was highlighted as an outstanding demonstration project by Hong Kong Government officials at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
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Operations
HKU’s Estates Office has in place policies and guidelines to improve organisational effectiveness and energy conservation. Two key pillars of its energy management plan are Integrated Resources Management (IRM) which was set up to track and analyse energy, water and CO data, and the Integrated Building Management System (iBMS) to centralise and monitor various systems on campus, allowing them to more effectively manage energy usage. They also oversee building enhancement projects to achieve energy efficiency, such as the retrofitting of Chow Yei Ching Building, which was awarded the ‘Hanson Excellent Award’ under HK government’s Energy Saving Championship Scheme in 2016.