Congratulations to Prof. Shu-Chien Hsu, Associate Professor of CEE, for securing HK$800,000 from the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) under the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP), administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government.
In response to the pressing challenges of managing incineration residues (IBA/IFA) and construction waste in Hong Kong, Prof. Hsu’s research project, titled “From Waste to Shield: High-Value Utilization of Incineration Ash and C&D Waste in Sustainable Radiation-Shielding Concrete”, proposes an innovative "detoxification-to-valorization" strategy through geopolymer-based stabilization and functional activation. The research aims to effectively immobilize hazardous heavy metals while leveraging the naturally occurring high-atomic-number elements (such as Pb, Fe, and Ni) within the waste as functional components for radiation shielding. By developing a sustainable X-ray shielding recycled concrete for medical infrastructure, this study seeks to pioneer a full-volume, high-value recycling solution that supports Hong Kong’s transition toward green construction and a circular economy.
The ITF is designed to enhance the added value, productivity, and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s economic activities. Through the ITF-ITSP, the Government seeks to support applied research and development (R&D) projects undertaken by R&D Centres or designated local public research institutes in collaboration with companies.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Hsu. His innovative research in transforming waste into sustainable construction materials will promote sustainability and help achieve carbon neutrality goals in the construction sector.
