CUHK’s sustainability journey continued with the opening ceremony of the Yard for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Pavilion recently. An innovative permanent brick construction designed to encourage environmentally responsible living, the YES Pavilion is part of a broader campus sustainability initiative that promotes responsible material use, recycling and a green environment.

Officiating at the ceremony were CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Sham Mai-har and Professor Nick Rawlins; Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development Dr Lam Ching-choi; and Former Secretary for the Environment Mr Wong Kam-sing, a member of CUHK’s Committee on Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development.

Professor Sham emphasised the University’s recognition of the critical importance of the environment and sustainability, saying: “We believe that solving complex global sustainability challenges requires breaking down traditional boundaries between academic disciplines. The redevelopment of the YES Pavilion exemplifies this vision. It has benefitted from combined expertise in architecture, mechanical and automation engineering, and construction robotics.”

Professor Rawlins highlighted the pavilion’s key role in CUHK’s sustainability vision in his welcome address: “This pavilion is about developing a mindset that values sustainability in every aspect of life. It invites each of us to reflect on our consumption habits, to think critically about how we can reduce waste and to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future,” he said.