Lingnan University Climate Action Plan

Overview

Lingnan University is committed to develop a low carbon campus and achieving carbon neutrality by 2049, aligning with global climate objectives, Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, and Greenhouse Gas Protocols. This Climate Action Plan sets out a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations and key value chain activities, integrate climate action into teaching and research, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.

Objective

The objective of this plan is to minimise carbon emissions associated with campus buildings and infrastructure while maintaining or enhancing learning environments; and seeks to ensure that Lingnan’s campus and operations are resilient to climate impacts, including extreme heat, heavy rainfall, typhoons, flooding, and biodiversity changes.

Emission Scopes & Physical Boundary

The Plan applies to all physical boundaries of Lingnan University’s premises, including Tuen Mun Main Campus and Satellite Campus, both academic blocks, administrative blocks, amenities blocks, indoor sports complex, outdoor sports ground.

Reporting scope covers:

Scope 1 emissions: Direct emissions from stationary combustion on campus (e.g. boilers), university‑owned vehicles and equipment, and emissions from refrigerants.
Scope 2 emissions: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity consumed on campus.
Selected Scope 3 emissions: Emissions from freshwater consumption, waste generated in operation and leased assets.

Targets and Trajectory to 2049

Milestone Year	Scope 1 & 2 Reduction Target	Key Focus Areas
2018 (Baseline)	Baseline Establishment	Develop sustainability policy Establish monitoring system for measuring the amount of low carbon energy consumption, waste generation and freshwater usage Develop carbon emission reporting framework, including scope 1, 2 & selected scope 3 (tenants’ emission)
2035 (Phase I)	-30% vs 2018 Baseline	Study climate risk assessment on the slope & drainage Establish campus renewal plan and upgrade the existing buildings (40 years) Replace 100% T5 / T8 fluorescent tube with LED Scale up renewable energy generation ratio Replace with 100% EV fleet transition.
2045 (Phase II)	-60% vs 2018 Baseline	Replace all 20 years+ MVAC system & implement AI optimization to all MVAC systems All new building design with BEAM Plus Platinum rating standard
2049 (Phase III)	Carbon Neutrality	Carbon offsets for unavoidable consumption.

Campus Buildings & Infrastructure

Lingnan will mandate BEAM Plus New Buildings (Platinum level) for all future new capital developments and upgrade existing buildings to improve energy performance and reduce carbon intensity, guided by a clear set of strategic initiatives. This includes establishing a smart infrastructure backbone of meters, sensors, and digital platforms to enable real-time monitoring and management of energy, water, and waste data; adopting AI-driven optimization in MVAC systems to enhance operational efficiency; replacing all remaining T5/T8 fluorescent tubes with LED lighting across campus; and scaling up the renewable energy generation ratio to further decarbonize the institution's energy supply.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Lingnan will undertake a climate risk assessment covering physical infrastructure, natural features (e.g., slopes, drainage) and campus ecology. The assessment will draw on updated climate projections and local impact analyses, including:

Measures to enhance slope stability, stormwater drainage, and building envelopes to adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weathers, typhoons, and floods.
Strategies to reduce urban heat island effects, such as shading, greening, and reflective materials.
Protocols for extreme heat and poor air quality, covering working conditions and outdoor activities.