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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Shines in THE Impact Rankings 2025

In a commendable achievement, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been ranked 19th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for 2025, maintaining its status as the top institution in Hong Kong and Mainland China for the second consecutive year. This prestigious ranking evaluates universities on their contributions to advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across a global landscape of 2,500 institutions.

HKUST's impressive performance in the 2025 rankings highlights its strengths particularly in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This recognition is a testament to the university's leadership in fostering resilient infrastructures, promoting urban sustainability, and conserving terrestrial ecosystems.

Commitment to Sustainability

Professor TAM Kar-Yan, the Vice-President for Administration and Business, and Acting Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, emphasized the importance of this accolade: “This recognition underscores HKUST's unwavering dedication to incorporating sustainability into our research, education, and operational frameworks. We are pioneering solutions for global challenges through cross-sector collaborations—from our Net-Zero Action Plan to campus innovations, embodying a sustainable future.”

Years of commitment to sustainability have positioned HKUST as a leader on the global stage. The university has made its campus a zero-carbon, zero-waste living laboratory, showcasing best practices in experiential learning and sustainable impact informed by cutting-edge research and international partnerships.

Showcasing Innovations at GSDC

During the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) held this year in Istanbul, where the Impact Rankings were revealed, HKUST experts played a pivotal role in sharing their insights on sustainability. The congress attracted around 5,000 thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers dedicated to tackling sustainability challenges. HKUST presented several innovative technologies aimed at scalable sustainability solutions, including:

• - Vertical Solar Panels for smart building applications.
• - Eco Bricks crafted from waste materials, repurposing refuse into functional building components.
• - Multipurpose Nano Coatings designed for urban applications to enhance environmental sustainability.

Focusing on Key Themes

HKUST served as a Track Partner during the congress, contributing to discussions centered on various themes critical for sustainability. Highlights included:
1. Predictive Analytics for Urban Climate Resilience: This panel, moderated by Dr. Alison Lloyd, featured prominent figures discussing how predictive models can minimize the adverse effects of extreme climate events on vulnerable communities. They underscored the need for collaboration among governments and agencies to craft effective responses.
2. Integrating Emerging Technologies for Livable Cities: Professor Hong Lo addressed the convergence of technologies like AI and IoT with sustainable designs as necessary steps amidst growing environmental challenges. He showcased how these advancements can enhance urban livability, energy efficiency, and mobility.
3. Scaling Campus Innovations for Global Impact: Dr. Kenneth Leung engaged global academic leaders in a discussion about enhancing university-city collaborations, essential for furthering global agendas aimed at creating inclusive and resilient urban environments.

Future Initiatives and Commitment

Building on the commitment initiated in the previous year, HKUST aims to foster carbon neutrality across educational campuses worldwide, bringing together partners to share their progress and innovative approaches towards achieving net-zero emissions. The university also hosted a Networking Reception at the GSDC, celebrating its commitments to sustainability with partners and alumni.

Milestones on the Path to Net-Zero Leadership

HKUST has laid down several key initiatives to promote sustainability:

• - In 2019, it launched a HK$50 million initiative for its Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab, testing green ideas within a controlled environment.
• - By 2020, the university installed one of Hong Kong’s largest solar power systems, poised to reduce annual carbon emissions by 1.5 million kg over 25 years.
• - A HK$40 million commitment in 2024 aims to equip 30% of its parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations, positioning the campus as the foremost in EV accessibility in Hong Kong.
• - In April 2025, HKUST launched its first university-wide Net-Zero Action Plan, designed to support decarbonization research and interventions, setting the stage to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Through these strategic initiatives, HKUST not only secures its status as an educational leader but also asserts its commitment to a sustainable future, driving important conversations and innovations in the realm of environmental stewardship.