About Go-Greenovate

The Go-Greenovate campaign is Hong Kong Design Institute’s new initiative that aims to create a sustainable, eco-friendly learning environment, as well as to promote sustainable practices among students and staff through innovative and forward-thinking approaches.

The team Go-Greenovate combines ‘Green’ which represents sustainability, and ‘Innovate’ which represents creativity and innovation. The campaign encourages HKDI staff, students, and the surrounding community to work together towards a common goal of reducing waste across various platforms. It showcases how creativity and resourcefulness can be used to develop greener solutions for learning, teaching, and design commercialization.

Circular Design

What is Circular Design

Circular design refers to an approach to product and system design that aims to minimise waste, maximise resource efficiency, and promote sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. principles of the circular economy, which seeks to move away from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model of production and towards a more regenerative and restorative system.

In circular design, products are designed with the intention of being reused, repaired, remanufactured, or recycled at the end of their lives, rather than ending up as waste. The focus is on designing for durability, ease of disassembly, and the use of renewable or recyclable materials. Additionally, circular design considers the optimisation of energy and resource consumption during the manufacturing, use, and disposal phases.

The goal of circular design is to create products and systems that contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and minimizing waste generation. It emphasises the importance of closing the loop by keeping materials in circulation and avoiding the depletion of natural resources.

HKDI inspire* 2023: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair; Circular Economy and the doughnut model

This master lecture sheds light on consumer behaviour as we know it since industrialisation took command. We ask, what can design contribute to avoid “throw away” culture as it not only needs many resources, damage environment - it also kills jobs and cultures of repair. We have a look at much more social and environmental friendly circular economies where “reduce, reuse, recycle, repair* are the key values. From that point, we look at design and ask, what can design do, to consider these aspects already in the creative process and the follow up economic models. We also have a look at the “Doughnut Model” as a practical orientation model for industry, society, and creative economies.

Lecture by Prof Michael Krohn, Professor of Design and Co-Head of re-source | Sustainability in the Arts, Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland

HKDI inspire* 2023: A circular and sustainable fashion world

This Master Lecture examines a variety of alternative paradigms to the current un-sustainable fashion status quo. This includes the concept of Earth-logic, circularity, usership instead of consumption and understanding green washing. We will discuss the question if we can afford to throw away garments and analyse the notion of trash-mentality as well as future material aspirations. By keeping in mind that the most sustainable garment is the one already in our wardrobe, we investigate the need to create systems that sustain creative endeavours for as many generations as possible.

Lecture by Isabela Gygax, Artistic-scientific Associate of re-source | Sustainability in the Arts, Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland

HKDI inspire* 2023: The Art of Possible Futures

In a time of increasing crises, from economic to climate, from demographic to pandemic and war with global consequences, these events are changing the way we perceive and experience the world today.

The urgency and the quest for a more sustainable development of our society and environment have now become even more evident. Through the power of imagination, storytelling and speculation, artists and designers are crossing boundaries, collaborating with other disciplines, developing collective visions, and imagining possible futures and new ways of living. Through systemic thinking, transdisciplinary and transformative skills, some exemplary projects will be presented and discussed.

Lecture by Karin Zindel, Designer and Co-Head of re-source | Sustainability in the Arts, Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland

HKDI Sustainability Campaign Go-Greenovate Award

Go-Greenovate Award 2023-24 

Sustainability is increasingly gaining importance in improving our planet's future. In recognition of this, the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is launching a sustainable design campaign, "Go-Greenovate" to educate our students to become innovative sustainable designer for the future. The Go-Greenovate Award is one of the main activities to recognize and applaud the creativity and effort of the winners. 

Objectives 

To promote sustainable practices, raising awareness about environmental issues, and fostering creativity in design. 

Theme and Scope 

3 overall awards and 3 category awards were selected from around 50 nominations from the four departments of HKDI:  

  • Fashion and Image Design,  
  • Architecture, Interior and Product Design 
  • Communication Design, and  
  • Digital Media 

The 3 categories are:  

  • Green Concept – promoting strong, innovative idea of a designed product, services, systems, etc.  
  • Green Process – emphasis on research and development process in sustainable design.  
  • Green Product – providing tangible green solutions to the real world. 

Great thanks to our valuable sponsors and judging panel members, the Go-Greenovate Award 2023-24 concluded successfully with an exhibition opening and award ceremony on 19 June. Here are our winners and their outstanding projects:  

Overall 1st Place: Situ Yupei (Interior Design)Song Dynasty Life Culture Center 

Overall 2nd Place: Leung Lok Yin, Kan Wai Pang, Fan Chun Kit, Wong Miu Lam (Advertising Design) – 「回收」係種態度 

Overall 3rd Place: Chan Ka Yan (Visual Arts and Culture)Appreciation of Nature 

Green Concept: Che Lok Yin, Tsui Pui San, Li Fu Chun, Law Kam Chuen, Tsang Yong Zhi (Architectural Design)Wooden Megasketcher 

Green Process: Chow Ming Hei (Interior Design) – The Flash of Inspiration 

Green Product: TANG WAI SHAN (Visual Arts and Culture) – Intangible Cultural Heritage 

Exhibition and Competition Sponsors: 

 

Green Campus

What is Green Campus?

A Green Campus refers to the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices within a school campus, aiming to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life. This approach encompasses various aspects, including eco-friendly architecture, energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable transportation, and landscape planning. 

Advantages of a Green Campus :

  • Provide a healthy and comfortable learning environment. 
  • Enhance student focus and alertness through fresh air and natural lighting. 
  • Prioritize environmental protection and sustainability. 
  • Implement energy-saving, waste reduction, and recycling practices. 
  • Minimize resource consumption and environmental impact. 
  • Encourage students to interact with nature and foster environmental awareness. 
  • Offer ample outdoor spaces for physical activities and exploration. 
  • Promote overall well-being while contributing to environmental conservation. 

Co-Work Space

In July 2023, HKDI Go-Greenovate organised a month-long workshop that transformed the former canteen into a dynamic Co-Work Space. Led by resident creators and instructors, this collaborative effort involved 60 students from various disciplines including Architecture, Interior and Product Design, Communication Design, Digital Media, Fashion, and Image Design. 

Drawing inspiration from sustainable and recycled materials, as well as innovative design concepts, the participants embarked on an interdisciplinary journey, infusing colourful hues and lively textures into the workspace. This unique fusion of creativity and environmental consciousness resulted in the creation of Co-Work Space. 

Wellnes Garden (LWL 2/F) 

In July 2024, the Green Garden on the 2nd floor of HKDI's Lee Wai Lee Building was certified by the Green Power - Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, officially becoming one of the accredited butterfly gardens in the International Butterfly Network. 

The butterfly garden is planted with a variety of nectar plants favored by butterflies and food plants for caterpillars, providing a long-term habitat for butterflies and promoting biodiversity. 

Under the guidance of instructors, students exercised their creativity by ingeniously transforming various recycled materials and incorporating them into the landscape design, adding a unique aesthetic to the butterfly garden. 

Podium Garden (Block C 1/F, Block A 2/F) 

Located at Block C 1/F and Block A 2/F of HKDI, the podium garden is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. With numerous plant types on display, this vibrant oasis offers a delightful breakout space.  

From colorful flowers to lush green foliage, the garden provides an enchanting environment for relaxation and embracing nature's wonders. 

Roof Garden (9/F) 

Located on the 9th floor of HKDI, the roof garden provides various green pockets around the beautiful architecture features with a stunning panoramic view of Tseung Kwan O. It is an HKDI hotspot for all kinds of photoshoots and videos.

Green Facilities

Staff Recycling Station

The Staff Recycling Station at HKDI Staff Room is a dedicated space for staff members to contribute to environmental sustainability. 

It provides convenient facilities for sorting and recycling various materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. By encouraging recycling habits, the station promotes a greener and more eco-friendly workspace. 

Smart Locker

The Smart Locker at HKDI LRC is a convenient and efficient item loan service designed exclusively for students. With a user-friendly interface, students can easily borrow various items, such as books, laptops, and computer equipment, at any time. The system streamlines the borrowing process, ensuring quick accessibility and enhancing the overall convenience for students. 

Book Crossing

Inside the Maker Commons on the 7th floor, there is a corner dedicated to Book Crossing. It houses a collection of donated books from various sources, including students, teachers, and the library. Students can freely borrow books from this collection, and once they have finished reading, they can contribute to the cycle by returning the books for others to enjoy. This practice not only allows for the extension of these books' lifespan but also promotes the concept of book sharing among the school community. 

Water Dispenser

Water dispenser at HKDI: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste! Our eco-friendly water dispenser at HKDI encourages students and staff to adopt a sustainable lifestyle by using reusable bottles. 

This convenient solution ensures access to clean water and promotes environmental consciousness, minimising the use of single-use plastic bottles. Join us in our mission to create a greener future! 

The Piu Market

The Piu Market is a HKDI sharing platform promoting recycling, redistributing and reusing useful resources amount students and staff. We regularly collect material donations such as design books, stationery, clothes, artefacts and even plants from teaching units and teachers and share amount all HKDI members at the Piu Market. ‘Piu’, which means free flowing in Cantonese encourages sharing with others. 

To give or to receive? Why not both? 

Projects

HKDI PAVILION @Design Inspire (Dec2024)

Christmas Market (Dec 2023)

Mid Autumn Bazaar (Sep 2023)

GO-GREENOVATE Creative Workshop for DILWL Co-Work Space (Aug 2023)

Upcycling Corner

FOR HKDI STUDENTS & STAFF ONLY 

In the Upcycling Corner, students can find free materials like fabrics and wood for their creative projects. 

Applicants will be notified by email within a week regarding the approval of their application. Once approved, they can collect the items from the workshops during office hours. 

For more information of the materials and the application form: Click Here

What is Upcycling? 

Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials or unwanted items into new products of higher value or quality. Unlike recycling, which breaks down materials to create new ones, upcycling focuses on creatively repurposing existing materials to give them a new life and purpose. 

Upcycling can be applied to various materials, including textiles, furniture, glass, plastic, and more. For example, old fabric scraps can be turned into unique patchwork quilts or fashion accessories, while discarded wooden pallets can be repurposed into stylish furniture or garden planters. 

Advantages of Upcycling 

The essence of upcycling lies in finding creative solutions to repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. It encourages resourcefulness, imagination, and sustainability by extending the lifespan of materials and reducing the consumption of new resources. 

Not only does upcycling contribute to waste reduction and conservation of resources, but it also allows for the creation of one-of-a-kind, environmentally friendly products. It promotes a circular economy mindset, where materials are continuously reused and transformed, rather than being disposed of after a single use.