The Taiwanese city of Taoyuan launched a development plan targeting lifestyle changes and the creation of a renewable energy industry in an effort to shrink the city’s CO2 emissions.

The Flagship Program of Low-Carbon Green City Development in Taoyuan was released in 2016 in an effort to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 210,000 tons of CO2 by 2020. The program’s 30 action plans are shaped by a number of themes, including fostering behavioral and consumption changes among the public and promoting industry growth in green technology fields. Specific actions to foster low-carbon lifestyles among residents include educational campaigns, incentives, and nudging programs related to food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, and recreation.

11,000 tons of CO2 estimated to be reduced per year by solar power alone under the plan

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In terms of green industry growth, the city promotes the sale and lease of municipal buildings’ roofs for solar installations, encouraging communities to set up solar power generation systems, and nurturing private sector development and consulting in the solar and wind industries. Taoyuan expects these efforts to boost the total capacity of solar energy to 20 MW by 2017. Annual performance indicators are tracked to ensure that the city reaches its CO2 reduction goal in the coming years.

The challenge

In order to reduce energy and resource use, prevent unnecessary waste generation, and guide more sustainable urban growth and land use, Taoyuan’s new development plan lays the groundwork for a more climate-proofed city in which citizens and industries work together to reduce CO2 emissions and cultivate a greener future.

Co-benefits

Economic Developing a green technology industry focused on solar generation enables Taoyuan to develop economic opportunities in complementary fields such as research and development and consulting.

Environmental In reaching its solar capacity goals in the next year, Taoyuan will generate enough solar energy to power 5,700 households per year.

Health The city plans to conduct 28 educational sessions on low-carbon and healthy eating per year by 2019.

About Taoyuan

Taoyuan is a special municipality in northwestern Taiwan. Taoyuan developed from a satellite city of Taipei metropolitan area to be the fourth-largest metropolitan area, and fifth-largest populated city in Taiwan. Since commuting to the Taipei metropolitan area is easy, Taoyuan has seen the fastest population growth of all cities in Taiwan. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, which serves the capital, Taipei and the rest of northern Taiwan, is located in this city.

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