Sustainability Newsletter-April，2024
No.1
State Council releases “Water Conservation Regulations”,
effective on May 1
The regulations, China’s first national-level regulations on water conservation, will take effect on May 1. Comprising six chapters and 52 articles, the regulations set out comprehensive provisions covering water usage, water saving, supervision and management, and legal responsibility. The regulations emphasize the establishment of a water management framework that encompasses water usage planning, quota allocation, measurement, and water-saving statistics. Detailed water conservation measures are outlined for sectors such as agriculture, industrial production, urban areas, and unconventional water use. Additionally, the regulations clarify the legal responsibilities of individuals and businesses for illegal acts.
No.2
NEA releases its 2024 energy work plan
The National Energy Administration (NEA) released its 2024 energy work plan, with a key goal of optimizing China’s energy structure. The ambition is to raise the installed capacity of non-fossil fuel energy to around 55% of the total capacity. Wind and solar power are projected to contribute over 17% to the national electricity supply. Additionally, the share of non-fossil energy in the total energy consumption is expected to reach about 18.9%.
No.3
State Council issues the “Action Plan on promoting large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods trade-in"
The plan encourages equipment renewal, consumer goods trade-in, recycling, reuse, and standard enhancements. Oriented by energy conservation and digital transformation, it aims to promote equipment renewal across seven sectors: industry, agriculture, construction, transportation, education, cultural tourism, and medical care. The plan facilitates the trade-in of durable consumer goods such as cars, home appliances, and furniture. It proposes enhancements to recycling systems, increases the use of recycled materials in resource supply, and improves standards in energy conservation, carbon reduction, environmental protection, safety, and recycling.
No.4
World Water Day (Mar. 22nd) and China Water Week (Mar. 22-28th)
The United Nations has set the “World Water Day” theme in 2024 as “Water for Peace”. This year’s “China Water Week” theme is “Use water carefully, manage water strictly”.
Minister of MWR Li Guoying authored an article published in the “People's Daily” outlining China's efforts and following plans to safeguard water security.
On March 22, the first "Water Conservation Campaign Tour in China" was launched in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. “Water Conservation Lighting up Thousand Cities and Landmarks” is another activity of the 2024 China Water Week, which aims to encourage more people to become practitioners and models of water conservation and boost green production and lifestyles.
No.5
Shanghai issues the “Action Plan to Accelerate the Establishment of Product Carbon Footprint Management System and Create a Green and Low-Carbon Supply Chain in Shanghai”
The plan outlines the formulation of 30 standards for product carbon footprint (PCF), the development of over 50 green and low-carbon supply chain leading enterprises, and the fostering of specialized agencies in green and low-carbon services at international standards by 2025. The plan also proposes to establish 100 PCF standards by 2030, improve the PCF service platform, and promote the implementation and widespread application of the product carbon label certification system in the Yangtze River Delta region.
No.6
NCSC organized a seminar on the National GHG Emission Factor Database and Product Carbon Footprint Database
On March 26, the National Center for Climate Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC) hosted the seminar, attended by experts from companies, universities, and associations. NCSC will take the lead in developing the National Greenhouse Gas Emission Factor Database, which will feature a module on key product emission factors, including product carbon footprint factors. The seminar is to implement related suggestions and proposals from “two sessions”, addressing concerns of NPC deputies and CPPCC members.
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