Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

79 related courses were offered in the 2023–24 academic year.

In order to protect its rich historical legacy and reduce disturbances to wildlife, CUHK has enforced regulations for contractors operating on its campus and set up environmental guidelines for construction sites. The University is dedicated to maintaining the ecological integrity of its grounds, and places significant emphasis on safeguarding its entire tree population. The University has developed the Tree Preservation Policy to strike a practical and attainable balance between preserving trees and advancing campus infrastructure, and has introduced detailed Tree Preservation Guidelines to ensure the successful execution of the policy.

Due to climate change and urbanization, Hong Kong has been experiencing hotter summers and more scorching days. An interdisciplinary research project, led by Professor Edward Ng, entitled ‘Extreme Hot Weather, High-Density Living and Senior Health in HK’, in collaboration with teams from CUHK, The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the City University of Hong Kong, is studying the impacts of extreme hot weather on senior citizens, and will develop guidance to help provide a better living environment and support services for senior citizens under future climate change.

Prof. CHUNG King Lam, Calvin from the Department of Geography and Resource Management at CUHK is leading two significant research projects aimed at promoting sustainability in Chinese cities. The first project, ‘On the Way to Zero Waste? A Spatialized Sociotechnical Analysis of Waste Management Transition in Chinese Cities’, focuses on understanding the transition towards zero waste practices in urban settings. This study is examining the social and technological factors influencing waste management systems, so that effective strategies can be developed to enhance sustainability. The second project, ‘Everyone Goes Green: A Structure-Technology Nexus Analysis of China’s Municipal Green Bond Issuance’, explores the relationship between structural frameworks and technological advancements in municipal green bond issuance. It seeks to understand how green bonds can facilitate sustainable urban initiatives. By addressing waste management and promoting green bonds, these initiatives contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments, encouraging resource efficiency and fostering the transition to a circular economy in Chinese cities.

CUHK has successfully launched an observation satellite, named ‘Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation’, designed to improve disaster response, geographic data analysis, and smart city solutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The satellite, which was co-developed with ADA Space, carries a range of advanced technologies, including built-in artificial intelligence for real-time data processing and high-resolution optical cameras. This innovation enables efficient monitoring of the environment and enhances the accuracy of disaster predictions, crucial for urban planning and risk management. By providing critical data for disaster preparedness and urban development, CUHK’s satellite supports the creation of smart cities that can adapt to environmental challenges, ultimately contributing to improved urban resilience and sustainable living in the region.

Led by Professor Thomas Chung, Project Plum Grove aims to revitalize the 400-year-old Hakka village of Mui Tsz Lam through innovative restoration proposals. Following the completion of Phase 1 in 2023, the School of Architecture organized the ‘Project Plum Grove Old-House Re-launch’ to mark the first large-scale public activity under the Phase II of the project. It attracted more than 180 participants on the opening day. A variety of activities took place at the Old House, including the Urban-Rural Place-making Workshop hosted by the School of Architecture, the Wu Zhi Qiao Rural Revitalization Leadership Programme, and a continuing professional education course conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. The full-day event attracted nearby villagers, village representatives, volunteers, staff from the non-profit organization Wu Zhi Qiao, CUHK students and faculty members, and the general public.