Qingdao FTZ launches green development index system under low-carbon concept

Uploaded containers are seen at Qingdao Port in Shandong province on Jan 9, 2023. [Photo/VCG] 

The Qingdao area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone has built China's first "green free trade" development index system under a low-carbon concept, marking a breakthrough in institutional innovation based on green development and strengthening its role in responding to the global climate change and carbon neutrality. 

The system includes 12 categories and 40 indicators, among which 12 indicators, such as the proportion of big data application in shipping logistics, the added value of emerging marine industries to GDP, and the added value of intelligent manufacturing industries to GDP, have been proposed for the first time. Under the system, Qingdao has conducted in-depth explorations and practices in such sectors as green industries, the ecological environment and smart city construction to become a pioneer in China's green development. 

In regards to China's goals of peaking its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, the index system calculates the carbon emissions of the Qingdao FTZ until 2060 by using its evaluation model and puts forward requirements for meeting dual carbon goals. The zone is expected to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.

During the drafting process, the index system conformed to international first-class standards, especially the ISO37101 and ISO3712X series of standards for urban sustainable development developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Bernard Gindroz, chairman of ISO/TC268, said: "The work done by the Qingdao FTZ is remarkable and we are looking forward to providing more valuable proposals for improving and enhancing ISO international standards through the implementation and practice of the green development index system."

By formulating high-standard green development index systems and upgrading the requirements for each indicator, the Qingdao FTZ has accelerated the construction of projects. For example, the index system provides guidance for the development of energy-saving buildings. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the zone is planning to construct energy-saving buildings that will cover more than 1 million square meters and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 46,000 metric tons per year. 

The system also boasts a smart platform with core functions such as information sharing, management, index calculation and warnings. Its full life-cycle management model of "target, decomposition, monitoring and evaluation" improves the scientific and automatic level of green index analysis.