Known as an international transportation hub, Taoyuan City is Taiwan’s gateway to the world and a place of strategic importance in industrial development. Ranked first in the country’s industrial output, the City is now challenged by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change due to its increasing industrial development and population. This is the reason that, aiming to build a low-carbon green city, Taoyuan City Government relies on the power of its divisions and departments to build down the energy-saving industry, low-carbon transportation, green building, low-carbon life and clean environment. Apart from establishing the Low-Carbon Green City Development Promotion Team in accordance with the “Taoyuan City Low-Carbon Green City Development Self-Governance Ordinance”, the city government has hired a group of consultants that give advice on the implementation of our policy. With the complementary efforts of the city government and consultants, plus the central government’s GHG reduction policy, the “Taoyuan City Greenhouse Gas Control Implementation Plan” has become even more enhanced and focused. What’s more, the work of infrastructure building stresses on low-carbon emissions and sustainability, our citizens have deeply experienced the integration efforts of municipal constructions and environmental sustainability. On the other hand, the city government has actively participated in international organizations (ex. ICLEI and CityNet) and meetings, and has publicized the outcomes of Taoyuan through international publication (ex. Cities100). With the continuous efforts of our colleagues, the city government aims to further provide convenient transportation, create a friendly environment and optimize citizens’ welfare. Citizens’ expectations are also our spiritual pillar to realize everyone’s dreams in Taoyuan.
To respond to climate change, slow down GHG emission growth, implement a low-carbon life, develop renewable energy and build a low-carbon green city, “Taoyuan City Low-Carbon Green City Development Self-Governance Ordinance” that has 41 articles grouped in 7 chapters officially came into effect on January 1, 2017; and was partially amended in September 2019. The ordinance is themed on five elements – low-carbon life, low-carbon building, low-carbon industry, low-carbon transportation and green city – and then have these elements extended from the food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, entertainment in citizens’ daily life to venues with which they often have contacts, such as stores, schools, communities and public transportation. The idea thereof is to reduce the use and waste of energy and resources by changing citizens’ habits and consumption concepts. To effectively implement the vision of low-carbon green city, the city government also simultaneously encourages industries to introduce the low-carbon technology; develops renewable energy with existing spaces; and guides the city to appropriately plan the land use with the low-carbon concept, minimize carbon emissions from building constructions, enhance the use environment of green modes.
