Message

Message from the President

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world, with around 7.5 million people living on just 1,107 square kilometers of hilly land. The city is characterized by high-rise residential blocks comprised of relatively small flats, creating an urban living environment not commonly found in other developed regions. High-density urban development brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Air pollution, heat island effects, solid waste management, aging infrastructure and shortages in housing supply are just some of the issues with which we have long contended. Along the way, we have accumulated extensive experience and expertise that can be shared with many developing cities around the world as they become increasingly like Hong Kong. In addition, Hong Kong serves as a living laboratory for the study of technologies and systems that are indispensable for the development of sustainable cities.

Against the above background, the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) was established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 2012 to develop sustainable solutions for problems generated by high-density urban development. The Institute now includes researchers from a wide range of disciplines who are engaged in multi-disciplinary, cutting-edge research and associated knowledge transfer activities. The activities of RISUD reflect well the values embedded in the motto of PolyU: To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind. Indeed, PolyU sees it as its obligation to foster the sustainable development of Hong Kong as well as other high-density cities in mainland China and other parts of the world.

RISUD has come a long way over the past ten years, and I wish it even greater achievements in the next stage of development. I am confident that with the continued support of both industry and community, RISUD will scale new heights in the years to come.