Philosophy of Nature Environmentalism on Campus Ann Kildahl Sustainability Manager, HKU Email: akildahl@hku.hk

Sustainability? Is sustainable development a reasonable goal? Does the title “Sustainability Manager” make any sense? What time scale is appropriate? Why is the university important? Why is “environmentalism on campus” relevant to this course?

Why the university? Institutional stability Core mission: research, teaching, learning Receptive to new ideas Able to grasp complexity Multi-disciplinary approaches

The University’s Critical Role • Microcosm of the larger community • Unparalleled opportunities to teach, conduct research, demonstrate and learn about all aspects of sustainability and environmental issues • Students…the Future Leaders

Environment, Sustainability & Education Stockholm to Rio to Johannesburg EE to ESD Esoteric to Mainstream Environment to Climate Change 2005-2014: United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

Higher Education Sustainability • Incorporating sustainability concepts into the university’s: policy, planning & administration, curriculum/teaching, research & scholarship, service to communities, student life, and physical operations & infrastructure The most successful efforts are interdisciplinary, applied, and action oriented…

HES Milestones Talloires Declaration—1990 (320+) AASHE National Wildlife Federation/Campus Ecology Global Higher Education Sustainability Partnership, IAU COPERNICUS-Campus (320 +) American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (400 +)

Greening the Campus (I) Facilities/Operations ELECTRICITY, HEATING/COOLING, TRANSPORT Buildings & grounds Purchasing Dining services Academic departments Administrative offices and classrooms Laboratories Facilities using hazardous materials Student activities

Greening the Campus (II) Curriculum Architecture, Business, Computer science Education, Engineering, Geography International & public affairs, Law, Medicine Sciences, Media and communications Urban planning and environmental management… Goal: Reaching all students and faculty…not only specialists…incorporating sustainability issues into all areas of the curriculum.

Greening the Campus (III) Student participation—Western models Hands-on, project-based, participatory learning…research, policy, practical efforts Students as leaders, political activists Proliferation of groups, activities, organizations “Hierarchy is not sustainable” (CS Chico)

The Asian Century—Implications for HES The Asian Century & Ethics…Global leadership means global responsibility…and demands a fundamental understanding of environmental issues and our role in creating a sustainable future…Contemporary and multi-generational issues The Asian Century & Action…Climate change and environmental degradation require urgent action… immediate energy/emissions reductions and behavioral change Responding to the need for both “Ethics” and “Action,” universities in Asia need a two track approach, stressing both practical/physical and scholarly/academic dimensions.

HES in Asia? Are Western approaches to “greening the campus” relevant in Asia? What models and approaches would be most appropriate for China? What are the philosophical underpinnings of environmental/sustainability efforts in China?

Models for China…德育? Moral Education…3,000 year history? Broad term encompassing moral, political and ideological education in China Adapted to suit societal needs post 1949… Incorporating new ideas in the economic reform era… Sustainability component?

Sustainability @ HKU Facilities? Accomplishments: Early gains from energy reduction efforts initiated in 1991 Recycling initiated in 2000 Opportunities: Accelerate energy audits, retrofitting Quantify & reduce HKU carbon footprint Revive & improve waste management, conservation, recycling Increase transportation efficiency Introduce green purchasing Increase cooperation with local & regional facilities teams

Sustainability @ HKU Curriculum? Accomplishments: Extensive course offerings in the sciences, architecture, urban planning/environmental management… Expanding efforts in law, business, public affairs… Opportunities: Expand efforts across all 10 faculties; increase interdisciplinary efforts and introduce new core courses Centennial campus…40% student increase, 200 new faculty appointments

Sustainability @ HKU Student Activities? Greenwoods Residence halls’ green groups Climate Change Coalition Fair Trade Opportunities!

Centennial Campus & 4-year Curriculum • An unprecedented opportunity to make HKU a leading model of university sustainability in Asia • The ideal environment for learning, teaching, and research…cutting-edge design, technologies, materials, resource use, operations, transportation New academic models…unique opportunities for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration facilitated by larger campus, increase in student intake, new faculty hiring

Greening the Campus—Key stakeholders University leadership Faculty Estates Administrative staff Students/student organizations Donors Alumni Community…government, business, NGOs, education, civil society… Contractors and Suppliers…

HKU—Broader Goals Raising the university’s profile Attracting top-notch faculty and students Excellence in scholarship Globally-aware graduates Expanding academic links, international exchange programs, collaborative efforts Enhancing alumni & community relations Fundraising

Philosophy of Nature Environmentalism on Campus Ann Kildahl Sustainability Manager, HKU Email: akildahl@hku.hk