(Shantou and Hong Kong, 6 July 2007) Shantou University (“STU”) today announced the launch of its Green Campus Campaign, pioneering a combination of eco-system and academic concept to sustainable development in Mainland China’s education sector.
This Shantou green movement, revealed at the University’s 2007 Commencement Ceremony, is jointly supported by Professor Steven Chu, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, Director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Professor of Physics and Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Berkeley and Mr Liu Youbin, Deputy Director General, Department of Education and Communications, State Environmental Protection Administration of China.
Since 2003 STU has embraced many university-wide eco-friendly projects to raise environmental awareness amongst faculties and students. In 2003, Herzog & de Meuron new master plan for STU focused on a Central Green belt, to date STU campus has been named as one of the “New Eight Scenic Spots in Shantou” and an “Advanced green unit in the city of Shantou”. For its new phase of expansion, STU has invited world-renowned artist-architect Herzog & de Meuron and Chinese American Maya Lin to augment further upon this conservation theme. In addition to core environmental conscious structural designs, STU’s eco-campus policies also encouraged “greening” through the planting of trees covering 75 per cent of the entire campus approximately 805,000 square metres.
In 2005, following a rigourous administrative practice reform programme, STU received certification of the international standard ISO 14001 for its environment management systems. The University has successfully reduced water consumption by 42 per cent and will further tackle air pollution through the installation of gas system, solar energy and energy efficient bulb etc.
Professor Chu addressed his great concern of the increasing energy consumption challenge and global climate change in his speech at the University’s Commencement Ceremony. He said, “I believe energy problem is the single most important problem that science and technology must solve in the coming decades.
“This is a world problem, and all nations must join forces to solve it.
“China must focus on both economic development and decreasing local and global pollution. These two goals are not in conflict, especially when it comes to increasing energy efficiency. If one takes a more macro-economic point of view, controlling local and global pollution becomes the low cost option.”
Professor Chu was excited to see STU taking the initiative towards environmentally friendly policies because environmental education is the most effective long-term solution for tackling this global problem.
During his visit to STU, Professor Chu met many students and faculty members and shared his experiences and insights towards building a sustainable future.
Speaking at the Commencement Ceremony, the Honorary Chairman of the STU Council Mr Li Ka-shing said, “If you truly love your community, your people, the world and love life, you must be motivated to participate and lead with your beliefs and your commitments without fear.”
Over the past several years, STU has been a proponent of sustainable development through education, research and practical applications. Among the University’s commitments are:
1.University-wide elective courses for all students on sustainable development;
2.Institutional practices to conserve energy and resources, increase efficiencies, use renewable energy, reduce waste and hazardous materials and provide a healthy working environment for staff and students;
3.Sustainability requirement reviews for all campus infrastructure and new building projects including major renovations;
4.Annual funding to support education initiatives and campus best practices in energy, resources, water conservation and environmental protection; and
5.Annual sustainable actions audit and improvement planning.
STU hopes that through the Green Campus Campaign, more universities, institutions, and the general public will be more pro-active in eco-friendly practices, conserving resources, and building towards a healthy, sustainable environment.
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