UNICEF Hong Kong on Wednesday said everyone should play a part in living sustainably through environmental protection.

This came as it surveyed 256 secondary school students from June to August this year to find out their awareness of environmental policies in the city.

It found that almost 80 percent of students value environmental protection, but almost half were unaware of relevant plans by their schools and in the community.

“Most of the students would like to learn more about global crises, what is affecting their life, and they want to be more participating, not only to just become a beneficial party, but also involved in voicing out their needs, questions and concerns, and influencing policy making to build a better future,” the organisation’s chair, Judy Chen, said.

More than 90 percent of the students surveyed had a clear understanding of how to save water and electricity at home, such as turning off unnecessary lights and maintaining air conditioner temperatures at 24 degrees or above.

In the school setting, their participation in green activities dropped to 50 percent, and mainly involved helping out with waste recycling and using water dispensers.

The participation rate further dropped to around 20 percent in the community, as students were unaware of activities taking place.

Chen said schools should expand their policies and arrangements for saving the planet to align with the government’s sustainability goals.

“A lot of schools are already very well-established, so their environmental planning may not be that up to date. It would be a good opportunity for schools to work with students, to allow them to feel they are fighting climate change as well,” Chen said.

“But this issue is not just limited to schools and students. All stakeholders in the community should also pay attention and be more aware of how to build a more environmentally friendly place for our children,” she added.