Workshop Reveals How to Build Zero Waste Cities in Hainan
On May 21, 2023, a research team from Tsinghua University held their concluding workshop for the project of a carbon neutrality-compatible “Zero Waste Island” in Hainan Province, inviting experts from the academia, the waste industry, and government agencies of the island province at China’s southernmost point. The research was led by Academician Hao Jiming, Dean of Tsinghua’s School of Environment, and Professor Li Jinhui, and supported by Energy Foundation China.
The Tsinghua research team hosts their concluding workshop for the project of a carbon neutrality-compatible zero waste Hainan Province on May 21, 2023. Photo by the Basel Convention Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific
The research team focused on two areas: provincial-level solid waste management and a zero waste Sanya City. They analyzed the potential for reducing criteria pollution and carbon emissions in the collection, transportation, and disposal of municipal solid waste, as well as an optimized pathway for synergistic pollution and carbon mitigation in the context of urban solid waste management. They established an environmental emission assessment model for a zero waste city and developed an inventory of environmental emissions covering the lifecycle of solid waste management. Additionally, they established an accounting method for calculating carbon emissions in the solid waste field. They also put forth recommendations for coordinated control of carbon emissions in provincial solid waste treatment and disposal, as well as for pollution and emission mitigation when building a zero waste city. Their findings helped the province formulate and publish the Work Plan for Building Zero Waste Cities in Hainan Province.
Li Jinhui, Professor of the School of Environment, Tsinghua University, presents findings of their zero waste cities research at the face-to-face workshop in Sanya City, Hainan Province on May 21, 2023. Photo by the Basel Convention Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific
When commenting on the research findings, a panel of experts pointed out that the project’s research approach is replicable and scalable. They said the future goal of solid waste treatment should be effective recycling and reuse to achieve zero waste, rather than complete incineration. Considering the unique characteristics of Hainan Island, they believed it might be challenging to establish a comprehensive resource recovery industry, therefore any future planning for the industry should take into account its relatively small volume in the island province.
Li Jie, Director-General of the Soil Department of Hainan’s Ecology and Environment Bureau, said that the project’s policy recommendations could be helpful for the province, which has three cities/counties in a national zero waste pilots.
Hao Jiming, the project leader, said that the coordination of zero waste cities and carbon goals in Hainan Province is of great significance. He also expressed gratitude to Energy Foundation China for its long-term support for sustainable energy development in China over the past 24 years.
