Curriculum
32 related courses were offered in the 2024–25 academic year.
Policies
CUHK practises sustainable procurement to ensure that its products and services are as sustainable as possible. The University follows Sustainable Procurement Guidelines that set out requirements for new constructions and the renovation of current buildings. These guidelines mandate the inclusion of rainwater collection systems and water-conserving fixtures such as dual flush toilets, tap aerators, and water taps that meet Grade 1 water-saving standards (as defined by the Water Efficiency Labels introduced by the Water Supplies Department).
Research
CUHK actively contributes to water sustainability through interdisciplinary research and policy innovation. In 2025, Professor Agnes Chong from the Faculty of Law was awarded a competitive research grant under the Early Career Scheme (ECS) of the Research Grants Council (RGC). Her project, entitled ‘Inter-jurisdictional Cooperation on Water Preservation in the Greater Bay Area and Water Security for Hong Kong’, aims to establish the legal and policy foundations for integrated basin planning throughout the Pearl River Basin.
The project seeks to empower water authorities in the Greater Bay Area to collectively implement rigorous protection measures, ensuring long-term water security for Hong Kong and its neighbouring jurisdictions. By addressing the complexities of inter-jurisdictional governance, the project supports CUHK’s commitment to regional sustainability and contributes to the development of resilient water management frameworks in one of Asia’s most densely populated and economically dynamic regions.
Water usage and care
CUHK is the largest, greenest and most sustainably designed university in Hong Kong. Over 60% of its campus is wooded, and is a haven for many varieties of flora and fauna. Maintaining such a lush environment makes irrigation a significant challenge for the University. To address this, the University utilizes the Weiyuan Lake (also known as Lake Ad Excellentiam) as a source of water supply for daily irrigation, cleaning and cooling systems. The Lake is now not only a scenic campus attraction but also an important part of the University’s life support system.
The Chung Chi Student Development Complex is a pioneering redevelopment project that aims to provide new student activity areas and enhance students’ sense of belonging to the College. The building received a final platinum rating from HKGBC Beam Plus for its green and innovative features. With water-efficient fitments, dual flush water closets and low-flow urinals, the building saves more than 37% of its potable water and has reduced effluent discharge by 51%.
Provision of free drinking water
Students, staff and caterers at CUHK are helping to achieve a green and sustainable campus by discontinuing the use of plastic disposables. The University now has more than 90 water stations on its campus that offer free and convenient access to clean drinking water. With the assistance of the ‘CUHK Mobile’ app and an online map, students can easily locate a nearby water dispenser. This initiative promotes a ‘Bring Your Own’ culture and fosters our aspiration to become a plastic-free campus, effectively reducing waste at its source.
Community Engagement and Public Education
In May 2025, the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change (MoCC) at CUHK partnered with the Amity Foundation for the 15th Walk for Living Water Walkathon and Living Water Carnival. This initiative sought to raise funds and increase public awareness for water‑scarce communities, highlighting the urgency of addressing global water inequality. As part of its contribution, the MoCC hosted an education booth featuring ‘The Easy Climate-Friendly Diet’ exhibition and the ‘Cut Carbon Farm’ augmented reality (AR) game. Through interactive games and informative displays, the exhibition prompted participants to reconsider the relationship between dietary choices, water consumption and climate change, encouraging the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles.
