SEE Students Win Merit Award at Social Innovation Inventor Design Competition 2024/2025
A team of undergraduate students from the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong has been awarded the Merit Award at the Social Innovation Inventor Design Competition 2024/2025, organized by the World Green Organisation. Their project, titled From Root to Rise, presents a visionary plan to transform Lau Fau Shan, historically known as a traditional fishing village, into a sustainable technology hub that integrates cultural preservation with environmental innovation.
The project features architectural designs that blend New Chinese style with modern elements, creating buildings that reflect both Chinese and Western aesthetics. Green features such as vertical greening and rooftop gardens are incorporated to enhance environmental performance.
In alignment with the Hong Kong Government’s carbon neutral plan, the team proposes the use of green technologies including cool painting and smart windows to reduce indoor temperatures and improve natural ventilation. These measures are expected to significantly lower electricity consumption associated with air conditioning. Clean energy sources such as solar and nuclear power are recommended as primary sources of electricity generation.
The project also promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle through initiatives such as bike sharing and ecotourism. Educational components, including wastewater treatment systems and solid waste management facilities, are designed to engage the public in sustainable practices and raise awareness of the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling. The new digital hub is envisioned not only as a model for sustainable urban development but also as an incubation space for technological innovation in Hong Kong.
Team Members and Roles
- Chau Ian Hin Ting – Group Leader, responsible for overseeing the project from conceptual design to physical modelling.
- Leung Yuen Ying, Wendy – Conducted site analysis to identify development opportunities and applicable technologies.
- Li Wing Sze, Aspasia – Synthesized project data, designed internal infrastructure, and ensured alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition reflects our students’ commitment to integrating sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage in urban planning, and highlights the School’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in environmental and energy disciplines. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team for their outstanding achievement and commend their vision, creativity, and dedication to shaping a more sustainable future for Hong Kong.