The following is issued on behalf of the Council for Sustainable Development:
 
     The opening ceremony of the Carbon Neutral Action project, funded by the Council for Sustainable Development (SDC) and organised by the Office of Service-Learning, Lingnan University, was held today (December 1). Carbon Neutral Action is one of the projects approved for funding under the 14th round of application for the Sustainable Development Fund, as well as one of the celebration events for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
 
     At the ceremony, the achievements of various departments of Lingnan University in promoting sustainable development were showcased and workshops themed on sustainable development were organised for public participation. The Mobile Exhibition on Low-carbon Living under the Carbon Neutral Action project was also officially opened today. It will move to different venues in New Territories West to promote and offer residents practical tips on low-carbon living, as well as raise public awareness of carbon reduction.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the SDC, Dr Lam Ching-choi, said, "There is no time to waste in combating climate change. We must encourage all sectors of the community to take action proactively in their daily lives to help Hong Kong achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 and enhance Hong Kong as a liveable and sustainable city."
 
     Various activities under the Carbon Neutral Action project, including roving exhibitions, workshops and exploration tours will be held in New Territories West to enhance public understanding of low-carbon living and sustainable development. Training will be provided to ambassadors through the university network and the Elder Academy to foster inter-generational harmony, and educate elderly people. General public tips on reducing waste and carbon emissions in the four aspects of living, namely "clothing", "food", "living" and "travel", will be shared.  A carbon reduction challenge and living bazaars will also be held on the university campus. Coupled with other community activities, it is hoped that the project will help to integrate the concept of low-carbon living into the community.
 
     Other approved projects under the 14th round of application for the Fund that have been launched include:
 

• Embracing a Low-carbon World Leadership Programme of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. The programme seeks to facilitate exchanges among youths in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) through online and onsite forums, and assist them in grasping the latest developments and opportunities in the GBA;

 

• Towards Net-Zero School Project of UNESCO Hong Kong Association. The project will provide training on sustainable development and carbon neutral policies for school administrators, encourage them to integrate sustainable development into school administration and curricula, as well as enhance students' awareness of carbon reduction through workshops with a view to assisting schools in establishing carbon neutral campuses; and

 

• Low-carbon Lives in Inclusive Society by Silence Limited. Targeting the hearing-impaired community, the project aims to promote low-carbon and green living through tailor-made promotional videos and workshops, and more. The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited, was also invited to share knowledge on household electrical safety, energy saving and carbon reduction at the event.

 
     The Sustainable Development Fund was set up in 2003 to provide financial support for initiatives that will help enhance the public's understanding of sustainable development and encourage the application of sustainability principles in Hong Kong. So far, 14 rounds of applications have been processed and a cumulative total of 82 projects have been approved for grants from the Fund. Details of the approved projects are available at the Fund's website (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/susdev/sdf/approvprj.htm).

Ends/Thursday, December 1, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:52

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