As a globally-minded international school, Hong Kong Academy places sustainability at the core of who they are and how they operate. Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Hong Kong 2050 Climate Action Plan, they continuously look for practical solutions and partnerships which engage students as agents of change. Students are challenged to identify real-world problems, consider a range of perspectives and collaborate with individuals and organisations to uncover solutions, facilitate community participation and drive purposeful action.
Over the years there have been many projects delivering meaningful and lasting outcomes. From beach clean-ups to the Fix-It club, biodiesel school buses, solar power, Green Mondays, freecycle uniform and waste composting, HKA’s curriculum, operating practices and community initiatives are designed to build the mindset of future leaders and drive sustainable change. As this academic year comes to a close we share some of the school's recent endeavours.
Secondary School teachers have been working together to deliver a curriculum which enables students to build broad knowledge and deep understanding, whilst also making connections between subjects and ideas. An example of this is the Grade 6 students who learned about circular economies in their Individuals & Societies classes whilst in Science they learned about the energy crisis and its effects on our world. This opened a discussion about the environmental and societal impact of the global fashion industry and prompted the Grade 6 students to take the lead in HKA’s community action in support of this years Redress campaign.
Students created educational messaging and visual content which was shared through school newsletters, community Whatsapp groups and social media throughout a month-long campaign. They also stepped up to take responsibility for managing and sorting a large volume of donated clothing and accessories which came in as a result. These items have been diverted from landfill and will be resold or recycled through the Redress programme.
Grade 9 students have been studying a Science Unit called ‘It’s Getting Hot in Here” addressing the theme of climate justice and resilience. The teacher invited HKA’s Director of Facilities and Operations to the class to share information about the school's operational approach to reducing carbon emissions through operating practices and community initiatives. One of the community initiative partners is Carbon Care who invited the students to visit an area of subdivided housing so they could understand some of the day-to-day challenges that residents face. With limited electrical outlets and cramped living conditions residents shared that their biggest concerns were fire safety, humidity and heat.
Returning from the site visit students were challenged to come up with practical, science-based solutions for the residents with climate resilience and justice in mind. Having identified the residents' problems the students made two recommendations which may be of use: one at a micro level - DIY dehumidification, and one at a macro level - using algae as a carbon sink.
If residents were able to dehumidify their spaces they would have a lower reliance on fans and air conditioning therefore reducing energy consumption and the growth of mould. If society developed a more extensive strategy of carbon sinks it would support climate equity by slowing the effects of global heating. In partnership with operations students plan to develop prototyping through HKA’s science club and hope to be able to share and test their ideas next semester.
HKA continues to build curricular and operational initiatives which create awareness of sustainable systems and deliver meaningful impact. Learn more about the school’s programmes and visit their award-winning, sustainable campus by contacting the Admissions team or booking a personalised tour.
Hong Kong Academy
33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories
Tel: 2655 1111
Website: www.hkacademy.edu.hk
Email: admissions@hkacademy.edu.hk
