HKUST Annual Report 2022-2023

48 49 Backed by a HK$50 million University grant, the internationally recognized SSC has sparked 35 projects, supported 20+ seed projects, engaged over 500 students and 200 faculty members, and attracted 400 visitors from government, industry, and academia since its launch in 2019. Greenhouse gas emissions and well-being have been key themes for funded projects, among others. Over 2022-23, SSC launched a nap pod study to promote students’ sleep hygiene and boost good health in line with the SDGs to ensure healthy lives for all. On the environmental front, a research project was kick-started to turn construction and calcium-rich food waste into new sustainable geological materials. Other recently funded applications include the establishment of a butterfly garden to promote well-being, biodiversity, and community building, and the development of a zero- greenhouse gas-refrigerant technology that will result in low-carbon elastocaloric fridges and air conditioners for use at HKUST. Nurturing Tomorrow’s Visionaries with Sustainable Mindsets To drive greater awareness of sustainability thinking and activities, the year brought the launch of the dynamic Life Cycle Lab (LCL), a collaborative venture by academics and community practitioners to help build sustainable mindsets through skill-building. Life Cycle Thinking is defined as a way of analyzing complex problems to develop long-term solutions that minimize unintended consequences and avoidable mistakes. The LCL is now developing educational resources for both students and Hong Kong practitioners in the construction and manufacturing industries. In collaboration with UGC-funded institutions and external organizations, HKUST facilitated education campaigns and sustainable infrastructure deployment across eight universities, encouraging responsible consumption and production as project manager of the Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Programme. Leading an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Over 2022-23, activities under the Programme’s three key themes included: Responsible Choices #Eatfortheplanet Campaign Together with Future Green (formerly Food Made Good HK), carbon emissions labeling on food and beverage menus at outlets was brought in on all eight campuses to indicate whether items have a low, medium, or high carbon footprint. Responsible Consumption AI-Driven Reusable Meal Container Lending System The first system of its kind among universities in the Asia-Pacific region was initiated on the HKUST campus in mid-June. This involved the installation of a distribution machine to lend up to 120 reusable lunch boxes and a corresponding reverse vending machine, both equipped with internal cameras and AI object recognition software. The service offers users a green alternative for the disposal of takeaway containers, helping to eliminate lunch boxes dumped in landfills. Responsible Consumer Activism Clothing In collaboration with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, two tours of The Mills’ garment- to-garment recycling system and Fabrica Lab took place to educate participants on upcycling and sustainable fashion. A clothing swap event was also organized with the WWF, drawing 5,400 participants to promote the circular economy.