HKUST Showcases Pioneering Decarbonization Research and Leadership at ReThink HK 2025
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) showcased cutting-edge research and thought leadership at ReThink HK 2025, one of Asia’s most prominent sustainability forums. This participation highlights the Department’s commitment to advancing innovative technologies and contributing to policy dialogues that support Hong Kong’s transition toward a carbon-neutral and circular economy.
At the exhibition, Prof. Dan Tsang, Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of HKUST’s Research Center for Decarbonization and Technology (RCDT), presented achievements from his pioneering research in carbon-neutral 3D biochar-concrete printing. Featuring a 3D-printed chair and small prototype of a house, the demonstration highlighted how biochar-enhanced concrete can transform local waste into durable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient construction materials. By integrating carbon-negative biochar with advanced 3D printing technologies, the innovation provides a scalable pathway to sustainable urban development and carbon reduction.
A particular highlight at the display booth was Prof. Tsang welcoming a visit from HKUST’s senior leadership — Associate Provost Prof. Jimmy Fung, Vice-President Prof. Charles Ng, and Chief Development Strategist Prof. Christine Loh, who met with Prof. Tsang and his team and viewed the showcased prototypes with a great deal of enthusiasm and interest. This not only signifies HKUST’s commitment to fostering impactful collaboration across academia, industry and society, but also underscores institutional support for advancing decarbonization technologies as well as knowledge transfer.
In addition, as Chairman of the Hong Kong Waste Management Association (HKWMA), Prof. Tsang was featured at a policy dialogue entitled “Rethinking Waste”, part of ReThink HK 2025’s program called Circularity and Waste Theatre, a platform convening policymakers, industry leaders and academics to deliberate on critical issues shaping Hong Kong’s sustainability agenda. Distinguished speakers at Circularity and Waste Theatre included Mr. Kenneth Cheng, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection (Waste Reduction) of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government, and Ms. Theresa Wu, Assistant Director (Waste Infrastructure) of the Environmental Protection Department, who shared perspectives on advancing producer responsibility schemes, waste-to-energy infrastructure, and circular waste-management strategies. Prof. Tsang opened “Rethinking Waste” with a welcome address, before joining a discussion exploring the role that waste management plays in helping Hong Kong achieve sustainability and carbon neutrality targets.
“ReThink HK provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate how HKUST’s research and expertise can contribute to Hong Kong’s sustainability journey,” says Prof. Tsang. “By bridging technological innovation with policy development, we aim to accelerate the city’s transition towards a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.” Indeed, the Department’s participation at ReThink HK 2025, led by Prof. Tsang, reflects its mission to advance world-class research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and generate new knowledge that addresses pressing global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and urban decarbonization.
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