Iuc asia supportdesk feb18

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Sustainable Solution for Environmentally Friendly City

Electric busses in Shenzhen. Illustration by: Google.

ONE of the principles adapted by key leaders in the New Urban Agenda reflects global commitment, in which local governments are included, to: Ensure environmental sustainability by promoting clean energy and sustainable use of land and resources in urban development, by protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, including adopting healthy lifestyles in harmony with nature, by promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, by building urban resilience, by reducing disaster risks and by mitigating and adapting to climate change. (14.c) However, in practice, not all local authorities are ready to realize the commitment they made. UCLG ASPAC, therefore, invites local governments to learn smart practices from other cities. Like most cities, Shenzhen also faces challenges in environment. However, the city has found solution that will sustain.

See What Shenzhen has been doing Shenzhen is a major city in China that once faced a high level of emissions.

Data shows that emissions from the city’s transport accounted for 23 million tonnes of CO2, or 42% of the city’s overall emissions (2010).

Tackling this issue, the Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) and the Transportation Commission of Shenzhen jointly launched the New Energy Vehicles Promotion (NEVs) in 2009. It aims to replace traditional transportation mode with new energy vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. This project, however, faces problems, such as lack of charging infrastructure, high ourchase cost, and lack of acceptance by consumers.

To be able to achieve the goal, the city adopted a business model that engages vehicle manufacturers, grid companies, bus and taxi operators, policy research institutes, and citizens to promote the new energy vehicles plan. The strategy is to do transition towards electrified transportation, started from public transportation to private cars. Taking this seriously, the city, in December 2013, started to operate 3,050 units of new energy buses (20% of public buses in Shenzhen) and 850 pure electric taxis (6% of taxis in Shenzhen).

The effort has shown substantial results. It was noted that NEV fleet has enabled the city to cut CO2 emissions by 160,000 tonnes between 2009 and 2013. This has made the city to be listed in the top 10 for best air quality in China, based on China’s Environment Agency.