To foster communication and friendship between students of United College and Ling College and to deepen their understanding of social innovation and sustainable development in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, United College and Ling College jointly organised the Green Camp 2026 – a 4-day-3-night experiential learning programme, from 26 May to 29 May, 2026.
A total of 20 students, 10 from each college, participated in the camp and learnt about waste transformation, renewable energy, social enterprise, and nature conservation through workshops and site visits in both cities, encouraging in-depth exchange and reflection on key social and environmental issues.
The first two days of the camp took place in Hong Kong. The opening ceremony on the first day was graced by Professor Martin C. S. Wong, Associate Head and Dean of Students of United College, and Professor Tse Chi-shing, Associate Dean of Students, who engaged in lively conversation with students from both colleges.
Students then joined Ms. Dorothy K. Y. Chu, College Secretary of United College, for a guided tour of the College’s on-campus solar panels and other energy-saving facilities, gaining firsthand knowledge of how the campus applies renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions in practice. The group subsequently visited WEEE·PARK in Tuen Mun, where a professional guided tour of the facility gave students an in-depth look at Hong Kong’s latest technologies in electrical and electronic waste treatment and recycling, including the critical processes of detoxification, dismantling, and material recovery that make “waste-to-resource” transformation possible.
On the second day, students took part in a food waste upcycling bracelet workshop run by social enterprise Ways Out Hong Kong. Working with their own hands, students transformed everyday food waste into beautiful accessories, and were immersed in the sharing by the organisation’s representative on how the social enterprise empowers single mothers by creating employment opportunities. The workshop brought home the message that sustainable development extends far beyond environmental protection: it can be deeply intertwined with social good and support for vulnerable communities. In the afternoon, students travelled to Shenzhen for the second part of the programme, beginning with a guided tour of CUHK(SZ) campus.
The third day took students deep into Shenzhen’s natural ecosystems and environmental infrastructure. In the morning, students hiked through Nanwan Country Park for an ecological learning experience and participated in a flower-planting activity to deepen their appreciation of conservation work. The afternoon brought a visit to the Shenneng Environmental Longgang Energy Ecological Park, where students explored Shenzhen’s advanced technologies in modern waste incineration and solid waste management. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to compare and contrast the waste management and energy recovery strategies adopted by Hong Kong and Shenzhen, broadening students’ understanding of high-tech environmental industries.
The final day began with a DIY botanical eco-printing workshop, where students used natural fallen leaves and plant pigments to create art, experiencing firsthand how low-carbon, pollution-free creativity can be woven into everyday life.
Then the camp concluded with a closing ceremony, held in the presence of Professor Lu Zongli, Head of Ling College, and Ms. Zhu Liping, Senior Manager of Ling College. Students presented in groups and shared their observations and reflections on environmental development in Hong Kong and Shenzhen under the themes of waste reduction and recycling, renewable energy, social innovation, and natural ecology, while proposing their own perspectives on advancing sustainable urban development. Certificates of participation were awarded to all students in recognition of their engagement and learning, marking the enriching conclusion of Green Camp 2026.
