Free Online Course Access for Learners not Studying at the University
PolyU provides free access to educational resources for learners not studying at the University through the Academic Skills for Independent Learners online course on edX Edge. The course is free of charge and open to anyone, although it is designed particularly for students preparing to study at an English-medium university. Created by PolyU’s English Language Centre, this self-paced educational resource supports independent learning in academic English, covering academic style, referencing conventions, university-level essays and reports, academic presentations, and participation in discussions.
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Executive Education and Vocational Training in Entrepreneurial Leadership
PolyU School of Professional Education and Executive Development offers the Professional Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership as a four-month, 30-hour short course supporting vocational training and lifelong learning. The programme builds knowledge of entrepreneurship, value creation, innovation and growth, and applying entrepreneurial leadership across business and organisational settings. It is a Qualifications Framework Level 4 programme and is included on the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. Applicants may qualify through specified academic credentials or, if aged 25 or above, at least two years of work experience.
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3D TEACH: Integrating Reef Restoration with Environmental Education
Beneath Hong Kong’s waters, the 3D Technology-Enhanced Aquatic Conservation Hub (3D TEACH) is using innovation to restore marine life and inspire young minds.
With funding of around HK$900,000 from the Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund of the Airport Authority of Hong Kong, PolyU's Department of Food Science and Nutrition has applied 3D printing to create and deploy customisable artificial reefs in local waters, rehabilitating damaged marine habitats in both Hong Kong's western and eastern waters.
Extending its impact beyond ecological restoration, the 3D TEACH leverages advanced, immersive technologies to provide a free marine conservation educational programme to around 300 students from local kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. Participants can observe reef habitats revitalised by the 3D-printed reefs during glass-bottom boat tours at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, explore high-resolution 3D-printed coral skeleton models, and experience a virtual immersive underwater journey developed by the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment. This series of activities deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems, and enhance their appreciation of marine biodiversity.
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Environmental Health and Food Sustainability
The subject “Environmental Health and Food Sustainability”, offered by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, enables students to examine the relationship between food production, environmental health and sustainable management of ecosystem. Emphasising fishery practices, the subject explores how human activities influence aquatic ecosystems from environmental, ecological, nutritional and social sciences perspectives.
Students investigate the impact of overfishing and unsustainable fishery practices on marine life, aquatic ecosystems, and the wider environment. Vital ecosystems such as coral reefs are also discussed for their role in supporting biodiversity and food sustainability. Through case studies and analysis of current fisheries management approaches, students become capable in critically evaluating the environmental impacts of food systems, and proposing practical strategies to protect marine resources, conserve biodiversity and balance human consumption with long-term ecological integrity.
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Sustainable Fisheries Education
Offered by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, the subject “The Environmental Impact of the Dietary Culture in China” examines the environmental and ecological implications of traditional dietary practices in the Chinese Mainland, with a strong emphasis on marine resources. Students explore the live reef food fish trade and consider how overfishing and unsustainable harvesting practices lead to habitat degradation, species extinction and threats to biodiversity. The subject enables students to develop a stronger understanding of the social and environmental responsibilities linked to consumption. Through seminars and applied discussions, students are guided to consider alternative food choices and production practices that minimise environmental impacts.
In addition, PolyU collaborates with the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium and City University of Hong Kong to provide training on new tech fishery. Through research-based demonstration farms and hands-on training for mariculturists and aspiring practitioners, the University promotes more sustainable aquaculture practices and encourages responsible stewardship of marine resources.
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Community Ecosystem Education and Conservation Engagement
PolyU offers educational programmes on ecosystems for local communities, combining conservation, public learning and community engagement. The “Co-Building Kuk Po” project by School of Design promotes awareness of local biodiversity through public workshops, conservation activities, cultural heritage programmes and art education, while strengthening understanding of the village’s natural and ecological assets. A key milestone,‘Hide & Seek’, introduced interpretive signage for selected valuable wildlife species and an ecological map, enabling the public to learn about local wild flora and fauna and their habitats. In addition, PolyU J.C.DISI’s Northern Metropolis Future Forum brings together experts, community stakeholders and educators to explore ecological conservation, biodiversity, sustainable tourism and environmental education, fostering wider public understanding of wetland ecosystems and nature-based community development.
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Sustainable Land Management Education
PolyU advances educational programmes and outreach for local communities on sustainable management of land for agriculture through its 'Soil Trust' initiative and the 'Growers Without Borders' service-learning programme. By engaging students, local residents, ethnic minority communities, farmers, and industry partners, the initiative promotes practical learning on food waste recycling, composting, soil regeneration, and sustainable agricultural practices. Participants gain first-hand experience in converting organic waste into valuable resources that enhance soil quality, support local food production, and reduce environmental impacts. The programme also demonstrates PolyU’s strong collaboration with the local community through partnerships, bringing together diverse stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share resources, and implement community-based solutions. Through these collaborative efforts, PolyU contributes to the stewardship of shared land ecosystems while fostering greater public awareness and capacity for sustainable agriculture and circular resource management.
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Education for Sustainable Development and Community Engagement
"PolyU fosters sustainability awareness and capability-building through initiatives such as the Global Student Ambassador Programme (GSAP) launched by the Student Affairs Office, which provides training, guidance, funding support and experiential learning opportunities related to sustainability challenges.
In addition, sustainability-focused content is embedded in Service-Learning and many other academic programmes, enabling students to apply professional knowledge to address environmental and sustainability issues. These efforts strengthen participants’ understanding of sustainable development while cultivating responsible citizenship and contributing to community engagement on sustainability-related practices."
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Sports Facilities Shared with the General Public and Local Community
PolyU shares sports facilities with the local community, including the general public, through a range of on-campus venues such as sports centres and swimming pools. The Student Affairs Office states that it is committed to providing sports facilities to students, staff, eligible users and the general public. Members of the public may access designated facilities through guest tickets, subject to the applicable conditions and regulations. By making sports facilities available beyond the University community, PolyU supports community participation in sport and physical activity, contributing to health and wellbeing in the wider community.
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Mental Health Support for Staff
PolyU provides staff with access to mental health support through its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). The programme offers professional counselling and consultation services for staff experiencing stress, emotional, mental, family, financial, health, alcohol, drug or other personal and work-related concerns. Staff can access a 24-hour EAP hotline, arrange in-person counselling and consultation, and, where appropriate, receive referrals for clinical psychological assessment and support. The programme also provides work-life information and resources, individual work-life coaching, mental health and wellbeing resources, seminars and workshops, and management consultation services. All EAP services are provided in strict confidence, demonstrating the University's commitment to supporting staff mental health support and overall wellbeing. (SSO login required)
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Lifelong Learning Access Policy
PolyU has an equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion policy that supports access for all in academic pursuits, employment and dealings with the University. The University is committed to eliminating discrimination against staff, students and other persons, and does not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of sex, breastfeeding, marital status, pregnancy, religion, disability, family status or race. It also promotes an inclusive environment for people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences, with all University members treated fairly, with dignity and respect. This policy supports accessibility regardless of gender, disability and ethnicity.
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Public Access to Libraries
PolyU Library provides approved visitors with access to its library and information resources. Overseas scholars with genuine research needs may apply for on-site access to consult unique information resources available only at the PolyU Library. The library assesses applications individually and grants access for up to three days per year. Academic visitors may also enter when accompanied by eligible PolyU staff, while larger visitor groups can request access in advance. These arrangements provide public access to the Library, including its research materials and information resources, for visitors with prior approval.
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Public Access to Green Spaces
PolyU provides public access to open spaces and green spaces on campus during designated hours. The University states that access to campus grounds is normally unrestricted through specified entrances, including the Block Z entrance doors on the ground floor, podium floor, 4th floor, 5th floor and 6th floor (i.e. public open green spaces at Block Z). The campus also features landscaped open spaces along the podium, designed to enhance pedestrian comfort, accessibility and user experience while supporting sustainable commuting. These access arrangements allow visitors to use the University’s open campus environment during the stated hours.
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Sustainable Practices Targets
To promote sustainable commuting, charging facilities for electric vehicles (EVs) are provided to encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Additionally, the integration of landscaped open spaces along the podium fosters a vibrant atmosphere and a walkable campus that to enhance pedestrian comfort and accessibility. This strategy not only supports our sustainability initiatives but also improves accessibility and user experience across the campus.
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Electric Vehicle Recharging Stations to Promote Sustainable Commuting
To support sustainable commuting, 12 designated parking spaces are equipped with a semi-fast AC Charger (32A 3-phase output), and 48 designated parking spaces are equipped with a 13A Socket EV Charger. PolyU’s staff/students with a valid parking permit may use the charging service on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge for the time being. Users interested in this service should register in advance (by completing the Application Form (CS21) padlock-16 and read through the documents here. We also provide an online platform for users to check charger availability.
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Flexibility for Remote Working Arrangements
Human Resources Office provides flexibility for remote work for employees, such as work-from-home arrangements, due to special circumstances, as part of its family-friendly measures supporting an inclusive work environment, staff wellbeing and families.
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Affordable Housing for Employees
The University provides affordable housing for eligible employees. To support settling-in, eligible appointees and their dependants may receive affordable accommodation at University House or a nearby serviced apartment or hotel for one year, subject to availability and eligibility. This accommodation is provided in lieu of the monthly housing allowance. Thereafter, appointees receive a non-accountable cash allowance for housing purposes to arrange their own accommodation. Eligible staff may also receive a fixed housing allowance, normally for the period of employment, if University-arranged accommodation is not provided or they choose to arrange their own housing.
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Planning Development - New Build Standards
Green Buildings PolyU builds new buildings to sustainable standards and applies green building considerations to campus renovation works. Through careful planning and landscaping, the University aims to provide a comfortable campus environment while closely monitoring the environmental performance of new buildings. New construction and renovation works are required to make reference to the latest green building requirements and technologies. PolyU also integrates smart green strategies into new and existing buildings to support the development of a low-carbon campus.
Gained Wide Recognition
The University’s efforts have received recognition throughout the years, such as:
- Green Building Award
- Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme
- Green Building (“New Buildings” category) Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM)
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Sustainable Procurement Policy
PolyU has established a university-wide policy on ethical sourcing of food and supplies through its Sustainable Procurement Policy, which requires all purchasing activities, tender specifications, and contracts to incorporate sustainable purchasing principles. The policy promotes responsible sourcing by prioritising sustainability-accredited products and services, minimising unnecessary consumption, avoiding single-use disposable items, and favouring products that are recyclable, contain recycled content, are biodegradable, and have reduced environmental impacts. It also requires suppliers and contractors to demonstrate compliance with the University’s sustainability requirements and environmental standards, ensuring that procurement decisions support responsible resource use, environmental protection, and the University’s broader sustainability objectives.
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Sustainability-conscious Food Consumption
PolyU adopts a university-wide position on sustainability-conscious food consumption that reflects its commitment to sustainable development and responsible procurement practices. The policies promote the ethical sourcing of food and supplies by prohibiting the purchase and consumption of food items associated with unsustainable harvesting methods or significant conservation concerns, while giving priority to food that is sustainably farmed, organic and locally produced.
The policies also helps ensure that food served at University functions from aquatic ecosystems is sustainably harvested, as it excludes products such as shark fin, bluefin tuna, humphead wrasse, wild-caught Hong Kong grouper, and sturgeon caviar, and is supported by institutional administrative and financial control measures to ensure compliance. PolyU has also supported the “Say NO to Shark Fin” Pledge and WWF’s Sustainable Seafood Week, demonstrating its commitment to responsible seafood sourcing.
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Waste Management Policy
PolyU’s Waste Management Policy is committed to minimizing waste sent to landfill and marine pollution and ensuring the responsible handling and disposal of waste generated across campus. Guided by the 5R Waste Management Hierarchy, namely Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and landfill only as a last resort, the University strives to reduce waste generation, strengthen recycling practices, expand source-separation facilities, and achieve measurable waste reduction outcomes.
The policy also emphasizes minimizing the use of plastics and other disposable items. Through its “Bring Your Own” (BYO) culture, PolyU encourages staff and students to reduce reliance on single-use products such as plastic bags, cutlery, food containers, and bottled water, while maximizing the recyclability of materials used in campus operations. Single-use food and beverage containers and cutlery are prohibited at on-campus events with 200 participants or fewer. For larger events, reusable alternatives are provided for around half of all attendees. The University also encourages external partners to adopt similar sustainable practices.
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Environmental Policy
PolyU is committed to maintaining high environmental standards through its Environmental Policy, which provides a framework for responsible environmental management across campus operations. The University complies with all applicable environmental legislation and regulatory requirements relating to resource use, pollution prevention, and environmental protection. As part of this commitment, PolyU implements measures to manage its environmental impacts and continuously improve its environmental performance, including activities associated with water discharges. These practices support the University's water quality standards and guidelines for wastewater discharges, helping to protect water quality, ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare, while promoting sustainable campus operations and environmental stewardship.
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Water Conservation Policy
Recognising that water resources are scarce, PolyU promotes water conservation across campus operations, developments and activities. The Water Conservation Policy incorporates water-saving features into new buildings and refurbishment projects, implements maintenance and retrofitting programmes to reduce water wastage and leakages, and integrates water conservation considerations into related procurement processes. PolyU also raises environmental awareness among students and staff to encourage responsible water use and sustainable behaviours. In addition, the University evaluates the adoption of water capture and reuse systems, including greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting, where practicable. These measures support long-term sustainable water management and demonstrate the University's commitment to fostering and maintaining good aquatic stewardship practices throughout the campus community.
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Watershed Management Strategy
PolyU is committed to protecting aquatic ecosystems and promoting sustainable water stewardship. Recognising the diversity of aquatic species and habitats in Hong Kong’s coastal environment, the University adopts a location-specific watershed management approach to minimise impacts on nearby water bodies.
Measures are implemented to prevent pollutants from entering the drainage network and surrounding marine environment, while wastewater is managed and treated in accordance with regulatory requirements before discharge. Where necessary, water quality monitoring and analysis are conducted to support environmental compliance and continuous improvement.
Through responsible water management and biodiversity-conscious planning, PolyU contributes to the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the long-term ecological health of the surrounding Victoria Harbour waters.
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Conservation and Sustainable Management of Terrestrial Ecosystems
PolyU is committed to maintaining and extending existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, supporting habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species through sustainable campus landscape management. Guided by its Landscape Master Plan, the University implements measures to enhance and preserve green spaces, including the cultivation of diverse plant species, shrubs, and trees, as well as the optimisation of irrigation systems to promote long-term ecological resilience. These efforts contribute to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems associated with the university by improving habitat quality and strengthening biodiversity across the campus environment. PolyU also fosters awareness and engagement in biodiversity conservation through interactive platforms such as GreenMap@PolyU, Fauna@PolyU, and TreeMap@PolyU, which provide information on the University's ecological assets and landscape features to the campus community and the public.
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Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Species
PolyU integrates biodiversity considerations into campus planning, development, and landscape management to support ecological sustainability. The University has measures to identify, monitor and protect IUCN Red Listed species and national conservation list species whose habitats may be affected by its operations, supported by regular inspections and management of campus vegetation, ensuring the conservation of important tree species and the preservation of ecological integrity.
PolyU also emphasizes the use of native plant species in campus greening initiatives, helping to support local wildlife and enhance ecological value. To reduce the impact of alien species on campus, the University adopts careful vegetation planning and maintenance practices that help prevent the establishment and spread of invasive species that may threaten local ecosystems. Together, these measures contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the long-term preservation of ecological integrity across the campus environment.
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Better Ageing in Community Outreach Campaign with Student Volunteering
PolyU delivers outreach programmes and projects in the local community to improve health and wellbeing through its Better Ageing in Community Campaign. Since January 2025, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has partnered with community groups and engaged physiotherapy and occupational therapy students to provide AI-supported fall-risk screening for 891 older residents on Hong Kong Island. The programme identified 235 participants at higher risk of falls and arranged 12-week fall-prevention exercise training, promoting exercise, ageing well, and community health and wellbeing. The initiative also assesses risk factors associated with falls and supports older adults in maintaining physical function and independence, demonstrating PolyU’s commitment to community-based health promotion and healthy ageing.
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Public Lectures and Community Educational Events Hosted at the University
PolyU hosted a public lecture entitled “Advancing Computational and Spatial Social Sciences in the Era of Big Data: Opportunities and Challenges.” The lecture explored applications of spatial data and analytical models in urban growth, social interactions, public transport policies and population health. It also addressed data security, privacy and accessibility, and the use of AI and machine learning in spatial social science research. The speaker concluded by sharing future opportunities in computational and spatial social sciences, inspiring attendees to explore the vast potential of this interdisciplinary field. This event demonstrates the provision of public lectures and community educational events.
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Promoting Mid-Autumn Cultural Heritage
Through the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, Culture Promotion and Events Office delivers a cultural project that promotes understanding and appreciation of China’s rich cultural heritage. Its first Mid-Autumn Festival Gala brought together 7,000 students, staff, alumni and family members. The event showcased intangible cultural heritage, including Mid-Autumn traditions and cultural knowledge, through Chinese dance, traditional Chinese costumes, Chinese music and singing, lanterns, riddles, and exhibition boards introducing traditional Mid-Autumn culture. By presenting these practices and traditions to the University community, the project supports engagement with and appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage.
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Annual Local Arts and Heritage Contributions
PolyU plays an active role in local arts and heritage contributions by organising public theatrical and choral performances each year. As part of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, PolyU and Guangdong University of Technology jointly presented the original stage production The Legacy of Youth at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium. A preview was held on 9 July 2025, followed by the official Hong Kong premiere on 10 July 2025. These two public performances attracted over 1,000 attendees, including members of the public. Faculty members, students and alumni from the PolyU Choir also performed the production’s theme song, “Mountains and Rivers.” The production combined theatre, music and innovative stage technology to promote Chinese culture and cultural exchange.
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