Hangzhou wants to be a pioneer of environmental consciousness among cities in China and has set a goal of becoming a low-carbon city.

Early this year, the Hangzhou Municipal Government announced it would cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 50 percent in 2020 from 2005, 5-10 percent higher than the country's goal.

The goal is ambitious and in recent years it is possible to see the city has made strong efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Hangzhou plans to reduce emissions from vehicles, which are a major cause of global warming, by promoting low-carbon forms of transport such as bicycles.

Last year, the city began converting buses and taxies into electricity-powered vehicles.

Nearly 100 hybrid buses combine an internal combustion engine with electric motors to reduce black smoke caused by diesel's insufficient combustion while the motor works at low speed.

It is estimated that every converted bus can reduce fuel costs by 10 percent, an annual saving of 18,000 yuan (US$2,637) per bus. By 2012, the city plans to have 3,000 new-energy vehicles, including 990 buses on 15 hybrid bus routes, and eight electric bus routes.

Taxies have also been revamped into hybrids. With 10 percent of the fleet being altered over four years, 620 cabs will have a hybrid engine system by 2012.

Hangzhou is also investing in subway lines, which will stretch nearly 300 kilometers by 2020.

An integrated, low-carbon transport system including energy-saving buses, taxis, water buses and public bicycles will take shape by 2020.

The public bicycles service program began in May 2008. The stylish bicycles can be borrowed for free from a public bicycle service company funded by the local government. The program now has 25,000 bikes at more than 2,000 service outlets across the city. As a low-carbon transport option, the program has been supported be residents due to its convenience.

Yolanda Xie, 26, works at an agency on Pinghai Road in downtown Hangzhou. Afraid that her bicycle could be stolen, she used to take a bus to work. She then found the public bicycle program has outlets near her house and office, so she started borrowing a public bicycle to get to work each day. She has also urged colleagues and friends to do likewise.

"When there were no public bicycles, I had to worry whether I could wear my high-heal shoes on the bus because I was afraid of stepping on others or losing my footing, but now I have no worries," Xie says.

"Taking a bicycle saves me at least 20 minutes every day. It is so pleasant to watch a long team of congested cars behind me. Plus I don't need to worry about bicycle thieves anymore," she adds.

Under the plan, residents from 16 to 70 years old, may hire and return public bicycles using a Hangzhou public transport IC card or resident card at all service outlets. Tourists can use the public bicycles by providing their identity card and a 300-yuan (US$44) deposit at any service outlet.

Transportation is only a small part of the city's low-carbon project.

Zhejiang Province's first photovoltaic plant (PV) is at Hangzhou Energy and Environment Industrial Park, which features companies devoted to developing alternative energy sources, including solar power - a high priority for Hangzhou and China.

Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into energy through solar panels.

Covering nearly 9,000 square meters, the photovoltaic plant aims to generate 2 million kwh of electricity annually, saving 800 tons of coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,320 tons.

"This is the first station in China using a combination of crystalline silicon based modules and high efficiency tandem thin film PV modules. It marks the official launch of the photovoltaic project in Zhejiang financed by the government," said Yang Liyou, CEO of Chint Solar Corp.

The central government has said it is ready to finance photovoltaic stations and projects generating at least 500 megawatts in two or three years.

Despite progress in these areas, government support and funding alone will not create an eco-friendly city. Every resident needs to do his or her part.

To raise awareness, the Low Carbon Science Museum will open to public next year.

The museum will concentrate on explaining the ramifications of a low-carbon lifestyle and what people can do to reduce their carbon footprint.


Economy: Cultivate six eco-friendly industries

The city is further developing six industries - solid waste disposal, water pollution treatment, air pollution treatment, noise and vibration control, eco-friendly materials and environment monitoring.

Construction: Energy-saving certificate, green roof and sunshine roof

An energy-saving certificate will be required by every single building on sale, for rent or under construction by 2012. By 2020, all new buildings must release zero carbon emissions.

From 2009 to 2013, the city is set up "sunshine roofs" with 700,000 square meters of solar panels on the roofs of buildings. More roof-top gardens will also be added to increase greenery and reduce the heat island effect.

Transportation: Normalizing activities on 'No Car Day'

No Car Day, which was on September 22, is an annual event in some cities, where walking, cycling, public transportation and carpooling are encouraged during the day. Some cities even open some roads only to pedestrians, bicycles and buses from 7am to 7pm on the day.

Consumption: Low-carbon diet, low-carbon clothing

Residents have been told that eating more vegetables and less meat is good for their health. Organic produce grown locally is also recommended.

Low-carbon clothing refers to items made of cotton and linen. Also, don't buy too many clothes.

Authorities will distribute a low-carbon family brochure to every family in Hangzhou.

Hotels and restaurants: Eliminate disposable items

The Green Hotel and Restaurant Program aims to decrease and eventually eliminate the use of disposable goods in hotels and restaurants.