A view of Wu Jiang District, Suzhou City (CFP Photo)

The demonstration zone piloting integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta has recently released an action plan to peak carbon emissions.

The demonstration zone sits in the middle of the delta and consists of Qingpu District of Shanghai, Wujiang District of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province and Jiashan County of Jiaxing in Zhejiang Province.

The zone aims to reduce energy consumption intensity by about 15% and carbon emissions by more than 20% by 2025 compared to the level in 2020. It will strive to be one of the first areas to peak carbon emissions by 2030, laying foundation for achieving carbon neutrality.

The action plan highlights key development projects in the “Watertown Living Room,” the Xicen Sci-Tech Innovation Centre in Qingpu, the High-speed Railway Sci-Tech Innovation Town in Wujiang, and the Xiangfudang Sci-Tech Innovation Center in Jiashan. Efforts will be made to incoprate low-carbon concepts and technologies into the planning, construction, operation and management in these areas, thus creating a role mode of sustainable development in the delta.

In promoting clean energy as well livable and eco-friendly buildings, the pilot zone will give priorities to industry, construction, transportation, ecology and other key sectors.

Furthermore, governments in Qingpu, Wujiang and Jiashan will be encouraged to establish annual evaluation and reward-penalty systems.