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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) took an important step forward in its sustainability journey with the opening ceremony of the Yard for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Pavilion recently. The YES Pavilion is an innovative permanent brick construction designed to encourage environmentally responsible living. The project is part of a broader campus sustainability initiative to promote responsible material use, recycling and a green environment.

Officiating at the ceremony were Professor Sham Mai-har, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Professor Nick Rawlins, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Dr Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development; and Mr Wong Kam-sing, Former Secretary for the Environment and a member of CUHK’s Committee on Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development.

Professor Sham emphasised the University’s dedication to sustainability research, she said: “Recognising the critical importance of the environment and sustainability, we have designated it as one of our key research priorities. As a comprehensive research university, CUHK fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. We believe that solving complex global sustainability challenges requires breaking down traditional boundaries between academic disciplines. The redevelopment of the YES Pavilion exemplifies this vision. It has benefitted from combined expertise in architecture, mechanical and automation engineering, and construction robotics.”

In Professor Rawlins’s welcome address, he highlighted the pavilion’s key role in CUHK’s sustainability vision, he said: “The YES Pavilion will serve not only as a recycling hub but also as a focal point for our community to engage in and foster positive behavioural changes within our CUHK community.”

“This pavilion is about developing a mindset that values sustainability in every aspect of life. It invites each of us to reflect on our consumption habits, to think critically about how we can reduce waste and to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. By sharing and integrating these no-waste, low-carbon living principles and practices, we can collectively change the world,” Professor Rawlins said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Lam reinforced the YES Pavilion’s practical role in CUHK’s sustainability efforts. He said: “Climate change is a challenge that the entire world faces today. It threatens the sustainable development of all countries and endangers our health, the living environment and future generations.  To combat climate change, we need the support and participation of the community, including supporters of the YES Pavilion, who can be our partners in combating climate change, promoting sustainable development and achieving deep decarbonisation.”

Describing the YES Pavilion’s unique design and cutting-edge construction methods, Mr Wong said: “I am pleased to see CUHK being a pioneer in campus sustainability in our region. Besides saying yes to carbon neutrality with its 2038 target, CUHK offers opportunities for scholars and students to create innovative demonstration projects like the YES Pavilion on campus. I hope this kind of groundbreaking initiative can inspire the younger generations to take action to tackle the urgent challenges of environmental sustainability through their scholastic affairs and daily life.”

For the details of the YES Pavilion, please refers to the appendix.