Ecological Development in Shanghai

Ecological Development in Shanghai Global Investors Support Ecological Development in Shanghai Shanghai municipal authorities announced in an action plan released in early July that they aim to develop an environment-friendly and low-carbon industrial base worth 500 billion yuan (USD 68.94 billion) by 2025. In recent years, Shanghai has been transitioning to an environment-friendly economy and is continuously developing new mechanisms, plans and policies to vitalize the low-carbon sector, helping China achieve its dual carbon targets of reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. The city's commitment to promoting environment-friendly and low-carbon development is receiving positive responses from global investors. Businesses believe the city will have a more environmentally sustainable future and indicate their willingness to leverage their expertise to contribute to sustainable development.

Contributing to an Environment-Friendly Future

Companies from the chemical, paints and coatings, pharmaceutical and urban planning sectors in Shanghai have placed great importance on environment-friendly and low-carbon development by increasing investments to contribute to sustainable development over the years. Boehringer Ingelheim, a German pharmaceutical company with a production facility in Zhangjiang in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, recently obtained carbon-neutral certification from Guangzhou Emissions Exchange and TUV Rheinland, becoming the first carbon-neutral facility in China's pharmaceutical industry approved by both domestic and foreign authorities. Sherwin-Williams, a global player in the production, development, distribution and sales of paints, coatings and related products, is developing new projects and establishing partnerships. Jason Wu, President of Sherwin-Williams Asia, said, "Our energy-efficient architectural coating solutions have already been adopted by approximately 40 construction projects in Shanghai with a total area of roughly 2 million square meters." Wu stated that the 40 projects in Shanghai could reduce annual electricity consumption by 9 million kilowatt-hours and carbon emissions by 2,800 metric tons. In addition to presenting new projects, Sherwin-Williams established a partnership with Tongji University in Shanghai to initiate the testing process for new products in cities across China. The company also wants to expand its partnerships in the country. Wu said, "Sherwin-Williams has had a longstanding friendly partnership with local authorities and relevant stakeholders. Since our company is committed to further development in China, we believe such partnerships will continue to grow." Sherwin-Williams announced that it launched the Sustainability by Design program company-wide in 2021 to integrate sustainability into innovation and product development processes. Wu said, "With the implementation of the Sustainability by Design program, while meeting the strict performance criteria expected of our industry-leading products, we are improving the sustainability profile of our paints and coatings. The cornerstones of this are innovation and continuous improvement." Sherwin-Williams said it will continue its commitment to the Shanghai market and expand its operations around China. Wu said, "Sherwin-Williams sees Shanghai as an important bridgehead that will lead its growth not only in China but throughout the Asia region. Our pursuit of excellence in sustainability has received strong support from relevant authorities in Shanghai. Their vision and open-mindedness support Sherwin-Williams' pursuit of developing energy-efficient coating solutions for local customers."

Sustainable Urbanization

The concept of sustainable development is being promoted not only in the industrial sector but also in urbanization. The city is attracting numerous leading urban planners who will support the transition to an environment-friendly model. Arup, a global community of designers, consultants and experts focused on sustainable development, began its work in Shanghai in 1984 and has long been inspired by efforts supporting sustainable urban development. Penny Cheung, Director of Arup in China, noted that sustainable development is at the center of everything Arup does, aimed at creating a sustainable future for everyone. Arup's multidisciplinary services facilitate urban renewal and transformation in the city. For example, Arup, working together with Expo Shanghai Group, launched a pioneering low-carbon planning guide for post-expo developments and redesigned the Best Urban Practice Area, where Shanghai Expo 2010 was previously held, as a globally low-carbon and environment-friendly cultural development area. Arup's holistic approach created a balance by preserving the site's historical appeal while incorporating modern elements to create a vibrant community. Arup also used a climate resilience approach to complete a city-wide wastewater network review project for the Shanghai government and put forward climate risk assessments and solutions for numerous development and investment projects in Shanghai. Cheung said, "Over more than 30 years, we have witnessed and participated in many of the city's strategic areas and economic developments. From the rise of the city skyline to the expansion of urban clusters and the city's digital transformation, we have built solid relationships with the sector. We are committed to applying our expertise in guiding Shanghai's sustainable development." Arup launched a three-year global strategy in 2020 that centers sustainable development and aims to position the company to have a more positive impact on the built environment. Cheung said that China's dual carbon targets and the pandemic emphasize the necessity of both increasing urban resilience and combating climate change. Cheung said, "By collaborating with our clients and partners, we will continue to support resilient and sustainable development in the China market through our forward-looking design and quality delivery in the urban environment and construction industry."

Sources

• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-global-investors-confident-about-ecological-development-301681080.html
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