A day after the 1997 Kyoto global warming protocol officially took effect, the city's eight universities pledged to work towards full use of renewable energy on their campuses.

Student group "Solar Campus" will support the initiatives for conserving and reusing energy sources.

The scheme includes the establishment of energy-saving facilities in campus buildings, academic research to develop renewable energy sources, and the reduction of fossil fuel use, university representatives told reporters yesterday.

Representing Lingnan University, Estates Officer Eddie Chan said it will work with Greenpeace, student groups and the government to develop and implement renewable energy facilities on campuses.

"Lingnan University fully supports the use of renewable energy sources on campus. We are only at an initial stage, and the development of new energy sources will require support from the community and the government."

A spokesman of the Hong Kong Education institute said educating young people on energy conservation is essential to controlling global climate change.

"As an institution for training teachers, we would like to stress the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility in the younger generation on saving energy on campus and in their homes," he added.

Meanwhile, Solar Campus collected the signatures of more than 1,300 tertiary students, calling for the full implementation of reusable energy measures in local universities.

"This is the first day after the enactment of the Kyoto Protocol, and we as members of the international community should take up responsibility to the earth and to protect it from further damage. Saving energy on campus is the least we could do," said Gloria Chang, Greenpeace renewable energy campaigner.

Solar Campus is an outreach programme organized by Greenpeace, which arranges student activities such as exhibitions, talks and camps on the use of renewable energy and the effects of climate change on university campuses.

Editor: Catherine