Taoyuan City, in line with achieving its 2050 net-zero carbon target, is not only executing existing strategies towards a net-zero roadmap but also prioritizing the adoption of energy-saving and waste-reduction principles in activities organized by municipal agencies, schools and various events such as sports competitions, cultural activities, workshops, lectures, religious events and school carnivals. Taoyuan City is set to becoming a trailblazer in Taiwan, becoming the first city to enforce a mandatory low-carbon review mechanism for large-scale events, starting from November 1st, 2023. This initiative aims to minimize climate impact while conducting various events.
Shi-Wei Chen, Director General of the Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP), pointed out that the "Low-carbon Activity Guidelines" will undergo an online review (Dedicated Low-carbon Activity Guidelines portal: https://reurl.cc/1GKbkX). This review primarily targets municipal agencies and schools organizing events. Whenever an estimated attendance reaches or exceeds 1,000 individuals for a single occasion or accumulates over 10,000 individuals within a week, compliance with these guidelines is mandatory in the planning and execution of such events. The guidelines are generally categorized into three main aspects: "Energy Usage," "Green Transportation" and "Waste Reduction," encompassing a total of 23 carbon reduction indicators. Examples include providing shuttle services during events, refraining from providing bottled water and enhancing waste sorting practices, together with the incorporation of one innovative aspect: organizers are required to register for review before conducting an event and must comply with at least 12 carbon reduction indicators to proceed with holding an event.
Director-General Chen emphasized that achieving net-zero carbon is not just a slogan or the sole responsibility of private enterprises; it requires collective efforts starting from our daily lives. Simple yet impactful eco-friendly habits like bringing our own cups and utensils, using reusable shopping bags, turning off lights when not in use and practicing effective garbage sorting are everyday actions contributing to a greener lifestyle. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has indicated through its research that changes in lifestyle habits and improvements in material efficiency can potentially reduce carbon emissions by around 8%. Transforming people's daily behaviors can not only contribute to a decrease in emissions but also stimulate the development of new industrial and commercial models. This shift has the potential to drive progress toward achieving the 2050 net-zero goal. The implementation of the "Low-carbon Activity Guidelines" in Taoyuan City aims to initiate a trailblazing role from the city government. These guidelines promote the concept of energy conservation and waste reduction through self-assessment during the organization of various events.
The TYDEP has also stressed that these guidelines currently only regulate events organized by the city government. However, the aspiration is to lead by example, fostering a transformation in how future events are organized. Of course, collaboration with corporate entities and groups is encouraged to collectively adhere to the guidelines when organizing relevant activities. This collaborative effort aims to progressively deepen and broaden the adoption of environmentally friendly mindsets and practices, establishing Taoyuan City as a model city for sustainable development.