The Journey toward a Green Seminary

A Green Seminary – Where It Started

　　Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary has long been aware of the significance of environmental conservation. In our early years, the environmental protection efforts of the seminary focused on reducing energy consumption and waste disposal. Early measures include using timers to manage both the lighting and air-conditioning system according to actual needs, using more compact fluorescent lamps, installing three-color recycling bins, recycling office paper, and expanding the campus green areas.

　　When Prof. Joshua Cho assumed the seminary presidency in 2009, he furthered the seminary’s emphasis and acts of environmental protection. It is well known that environmental protection is one of President Cho’s research interests. In 2011, sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund, the seminary conducted an audit to review the use of energy and quantify the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the buildings on our Sai O campus. As a result of the audit exercise, energy efficiency enhancement measures were implemented. An example of the measures is the replacement of all the fluorescent lamps in the public areas, classrooms, and the library with LED light fixtures.

A Practice of Ecological Theology

　　Since 2017, the direction of establishing a green seminary has become increasingly clear and focused. The greening initiatives formed are comprehensive and proactive. President Cho promotes Christian principles of responsibilities for environmental well-being through edifying the school community during chapel hours. His sermons on such topics as Ecological Theology and A Green and Glossy Gospel lay a foundation for Christian leaders to act and lead responsibly and theologically in environmental protection. The seminary’s launching of its campus extension project and the continuous environmental devastation fostered by the road projects that surround our campus, prompt us to step up our practice of environmental protection. In 2018, the Campus Environmental Consultation and Development Committee was set up to provide expert advice that will lead to the establishment of a green seminary. The Committee proposed a series of greening initiatives, one of which has resulted in the rooftop solar energy generation project being carried out jointly with New Energy Financing and Consulting Limited. As of early 2021, 316 photovoltaic solar panels, which can generate over 150,000 kWh of electricity annually, were installed on the rooftops of five buildings on campus, offsetting an equivalent emission of 78 tons of carbon dioxide. The scale of this project is tantamount to the planting of 1,297 trees.

　　The Campus Environmental Consultation and Development Committee also proposes using kitchen waste from the seminary canteen and quarters to produce organic compost. In 2019, the seminary canteen solicited an agreement with a food waste recycling company to regularly collect our food waste. However, the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong saw a drastic reduction in the amount of food waste from the seminary and eateries nearby, which meant little profit for the recycling company. As a result, the company stopped collecting food waste from our canteen last February. In view of this, we purchased by installment a food waste composter last July to convert food waste into organic fertilizers for the purpose of planting and greening our campus. Ever since the use of the food waste composter, there has been a sharp decline in the amount of garbage disposal as well as foul odor in the seminary’s refuse room.

　　The end of 2020 saw the beginning of our cooperation with Tai Po District Community Green Station, which is operated by Hong Chi Association. The seminary launched a comprehensive “Sai O Campus Waste Recycling Program” to recycle a broad range of re-usable resources, including metal, various types of waste paper, plastics, small-size furniture, and electrical appliances. A booklet, Sai O Campus Waste Recycling Program Booklet, was prepared by our staff to introduce to all the seminary community members, teachers, students and staff, the greening facilities and waste recycling procedures. Our staff regularly issue the Sai O Campus Waste Recycling Program Report to update our members with the progress of the program for the purpose of developing an environmental management system. The program has so far received enthusiastic responses from the community members. The waste collected for recycling in the first two months amounts to a total of 2,126 kg. This collective achievement is a great encouragement to us all.

Building a Green Seminary with One Heart

　　The success of environmental protection measures depends on the persistent support and actual involvement of various parties. We are delighted to see that the staff are willing to shoulder extra work and that teachers and students cooperate positively so that our greening practice is reaping a harvest. We appreciate the fact that no one minds spending extra time removing wrappings and cleaning bottles and containers. Members deliver waste to the designated collection points on campus and drop the waste items into the collection bins according to the waste classification. In cases of misplaced items, our staff are willing to re-check and re-sort through the items for the purpose of reducing the operating costs of the recycling company, which operates on a very low budget. We are happy to report that the recycling company acknowledges the seminary’s contribution.

　　The teaching of President Cho and teachers on ecological theology, the expert advice of the Campus Environmental Consultation and Development Committee, and the active participation of the seminary community members, all contribute to building a green seminary.

　　May we love the nature and exercise faithful stewardship in our care for the land, which will actualize humans’ reconciliation with the creation of God.