Jockey Club and CUHK join hands for greener future

01/03/2013

The Environment Project was initiated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 2008 to raise awareness of climate change and other environmental issues.  In the latest initiative to promote environmental conservation and sustainability in the local community, the Trust has donated HK$54 million to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to undertake a five-year community engagement programme, entitled CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia.  The aim is to encourage active public participation and create a greener and more sustainable community through knowledge transfer, public education programmes and carbon reduction partnerships.

Today (3 January), Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai joined Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing; CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Joseph J Y Sung; Tsinghua University Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering Director Professor Hao Jiming; Professional Association for China’s Environment Chairman and Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning Deputy Director Professor Wang Jinnan and Former Minister, State Environmental Protection Administration of the People’s Republic of China and China Environmental Protection Foundation President Professor Qu Geping at the launch of the initiative coupled with the opening of the Conference on the Forty Years of Environmental Protection in China.

Dr Fan said the University was well qualified to undertake the programme, having already developed successful research and education programmes in environmental protection. As part of the Environment Project, the CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia will disseminate those research results and green knowledge to the public through different channels, helping to enhance the city’s sustainability in line with the government’s policy.

She noted that the Club for many years not only advocated green corporate policies but also implemented many green measures in its daily operations and encouraged its 26,000 staff members to adopt environmentally-friendly practices.

Apart from organising environmental conferences, public forums and educational fairs, the Jockey Club will establish a Museum of Climate Change to display renowned explorer Dr Rebecca Lee’s valuable exhibits on the “Three Poles” (the North Pole, the South Pole and Mt Everest); innovative research produced by CUHK in the areas of environment, energy and sustainability; as well as details of the Charities Trust’s contributions to environmental protection.

In addition, the “Go Green Community – Jockey Club Carbon Reduction Partnership Scheme” will be launched to engage local schools and non-governmental organisations to reduce carbon emissions through carbon audit and implementation of practical initiatives.  

Running until Saturday, the three-day conference is the first international gathering organised under the five-year programme and also inaugurates CUHK’s 50th anniversary celebrations.  Overseas and local experts will review China’s accomplishments in environmental protection over the past four decades and share insights on the way forward.

The Environment Project has supported various worthy projects such as the Hong Chi Association’s Community Organic Farming Campaign and the Glass Bottle Recycling Campaign.  The Project also supports international symposia and public forums.  To further demonstrate the Club’s commitment to environmental conservation as part of the Project, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course is the first in the world to introduce solar-powered golf carts. And to reduce carbon emission, solar-hybrid catamarans have also been brought in to carry passengers travelling between Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung pier.

Further details of CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia are available at www.gaia.cuhk.edu.hk

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.