Hangzhou Asian Games achieves carbon neutrality

The closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on Oct 8. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]

The Hangzhou Asian Games have become the first Asian Games to achieve carbon neutrality, said the Games' organizers at a news conference in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday.

As the evaluator of carbon neutrality at the Asian Games, the China Environmental United Certification Center issued the carbon neutrality certificate to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

Mao Genhong, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, introduced the work and achievements in carbon neutrality for the Games.

The emissions of greenhouse gases during the Games totaled 882,900 metric tons, reduced through green electricity by 22,000 tons. The carbon offset index by social donations reached 1.10 million tons, realizing carbon neutrality for the first time in the history of the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, he said.

Existing venues were prioritized for the Games, and among the 56 venues, only 12 were newly built.

Through green electricity trade, green electricity supply was achieved for the first time in all venues, the Asian Games Village and offices of the organizing committee.

In terms of transportation, new energy vehicles were used for reception, shuttle and logistics during the Games.

In the Asian Games Village, 57 tons of paper-made lunch boxes and milk cartons, and 92 tons of other low-value waste were collected and made into 89.3 tons of raw paper.

Digital fireworks were used to replace real ones at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.

On the basis of minimizing carbon emissions, units around the country were mobilized to donate carbon offsets. A total of 1.10 million tons of carbon offsets were donated by 47 units.