Newsletter No. 167

CUHK Newsletter No. 167 19th June 2000 3 New Initiatives for an Even More Environment-Friendly Campus (From left) Prof. Lam Kin-che, director of the Centre for Environmental Studies, Prof. Liu Pak-wai, pro-vice-chancellor, and Prof. Arthur K. C. Li, vice-chancellor, posing for a photo before mounting a shuttle bus installed with diesel oxidation catalysts on World Environment Day (5th June 2000). On the recommendation of the Administrative Affairs Committee, a University-wide action plan to protect the campus environment and promote general awareness of ecological issues such as energy conservation, waste management, air and water quality, and large-scale construction activities has been approved for implementation. The action plan is the result of a comprehensive environmental audit commissioned by the University and undertaken by the Centre for Environmental Studies with contribution from relevant units. The first of its type among local tertiary institutions, the audit sets the tone for continuous self-reflection and self-improvement by the University as an environmentally-conscious and responsible organization. According to Prof. Lam Kin-che, director of the Centre for Environmental Studies, the audit lasted for six months from September 1999, and revealed that various operations of the University are well planned and well managed to minimize adverse impacts on the environment. A good record of regulatory compliance has also been maintained. The air quality on campus is good, the setting tranquil, the waters clean, and the natural landscape green and inspiring. At a press conference held on 5th June, the World Environment Day, vice-chancellor Prof. Arthur K.C. L i reiterated the University's f i rm commitment to the preservation of its already very 'clean and green' campus and its natural assets, and called for campus-wide participation in the University's new environmental i itiatives. As the first of the new initiatives, an environment-friendly shuttle bus installed with diesel oxidation catalysts to reduce smoke emissions was introduced. Such devices w i l l be introduced on all university shuttle buses eventually to ensure cleaner air on the campus. On the same occasion, pro-vice- chancellor Prof. L i u Pak-wai disclosed plans to strengthen the shuttle mini-bus service on campus as a means to reduce the use of private cars. Prof. L iu also explained the salient features of the action plan, which include: 1. The establishment of an efficient environmental management structure to review, formulate, and implement relevant policies and strategies: essentially a high-level steering committee w i ll be set up, the University Safety Office w i l l be reconstituted to include an Environmental Section, and coordinators will be appointed in individual units and departments to ensure campus-wide participation in various environmental initiatives. 2. Greater control over motor traffic on the campus: means to reduce the use of motor vehicles w i ll be devised; diesel oxidation catalysts will be installed in University shuttle buses to reduce smoke emissions; ultra-low sulphur diesel will be used when available; LPG mini-buses w i l l also be on trial run on the campus in response to the government's Clean A ir Campaign. 3. Regular monitoring of indoor air quality and water quality: measurements of air quality will be taken to form the basis of comparison and improvement; drainage and sewage systems w i l l be vigilantly inspected to ensure good water quality. 4. The promotion of waste reduction and recycling: green office practices w i ll be introduced to reduce waste generation by 40 per cent in 10 years as advocated by the government; the logistics of waste collection, recycling, and recovery in residences and office buildings will be finetuned. 5. The enforcement of energy conservation measures: energy audits will be conducted in targeted University buildings to assess the efficiency of energy use and identify areas for conservation and cost-savings. 6. Close scrutiny of construction and renovation projects: contractors will be asked to comply with all environmental regulations and legislation and to prepare environmental management plans to pre-empt problems; frequent site inspections will be conducted to monitor their impact on the campus environment; new techniques to beautify artificial slopes w i ll be introduced. 7. Monitoring canteen operations: a Canteen Service Officer has been appointed to work closely with the management committees of the canteens to oversee canteen operations and facilitate prompt rectification of irregularities. 8. Effecting a behavioural change through proactive publicity and education programmes: environmental awareness events w i l l be organized to promote environment-friendly practices on campus; student bodies, colleges, departments, and units w i l l be encouraged to form small groups to look into specific issues of concern; the University's environmental initiatives and accomplishments w i l l be broadly publicized to achieve a sense of cohesiveness and purpose. Web-base d Teachin g and Cooperativ e Learnin g Introducing a New University-wide Teaching Platform Over 200 teaching staff from different departments and units participated in a seminar jointly organized by the Information Technology Services Centre (ITSC) and the Teaching Development Unit (TDU) on 12th May. Ms. Christina Keing demonstrated the delivery of lectures via the web wh i le Mr. Augustine Lo explained the workings of a new university-wide web-based teaching platform. Several teachers also shared their experience of applying IT to their teaching. Cooperative Learning Workshop About 30 teaching staff participated in a workshop conducted by Prof. Karl Smith of the University of Minnesota on the cooperative learning approach on 29th and 30th May. Cooperative learning involves having students work in teams to accomplish a common goal, under conditions that require both positive interdependence and individual and group accountability. Participants were introduced to the materials and strategies of cooperative learning at the workshop, and tried to tackle problems regarding planning and implementation. Prof. Karl Smith of the University of Minnesota speaking at the cooperative learning approach workshop M.Arch. Graduatio n Exhibitio Thirty-five graduating students from the Master of Architecture programme presented their final projects at a graduation exhibition at Park Court, Pacific Place, from 19th to 21st May. Seen here is a student introducing her project to a visitor.