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Taiwan Climate Academy unveiled, collaborating with industry and academia to fill gaps in sustainable development talent

The Taiwan Climate Alliance, in collaboration with Tsinghua University, National Cheng Kung University, and National Taiwan Normal University, held an unveiling ceremony for the "Taiwan Climate Academy" today (the 5th). The Taiwan Climate Alliance noted that domestic industries are facing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and the demand for manpower for climate governance is increasing. The establishment of the academy can fill this talent gap. Vice President Lai Ching-te attended the event and delivered a speech, emphasizing that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of achieving carbon reduction transformation on their own, and that the academy can help those lagging behind achieve a fair transition. Industry and academia have established the "Taiwan Climate Academy" to teach businesses about sustainable management. Taiwan aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and facing international pressure to reduce carbon emissions, the government is actively urging domestic industries to transform. The Taiwan Climate Alliance held an unveiling ceremony for the "Taiwan Climate Academy" today, collaborating with Tsinghua University, National Cheng Kung University, and National Taiwan Normal University. Taiwan Climate Alliance Chairman Hai Ying-jun explained that the rapid rise of the global net-zero and green economy is requiring transformation across all industries, leading to a significant increase in the demand for sustainable talent. He expressed hope that the "Taiwan Climate Academy" will help the information and communications technology (ICT) industry cultivate sustainable management talent and accelerate Taiwan's net-zero transition. Peng Qiming, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Climate Alliance, further explained that the industry is currently facing pressure to reduce carbon emissions. While large corporations may have the means to respond, many small and medium-sized enterprises within the domestic and international supply chains have relatively fewer resources for carbon reduction transitions and need to develop greater climate governance capabilities. The academy can offer courses tailored to each career stage, with experienced sustainability professionals in the industry collaborating to share their ICT industry experience. It also offers case-based teaching methods for corporate decision-makers and climate knowledge training for mid- to senior-level executives.

2023-06-09

Discussing corporate sustainability and social responsibility from the perspective of the new quality management system requirements

With the release of the new ISO 9001 quality management system in September 2015, other ISO standards have also been revised. With the exception of ISO 13485, which has slightly different requirements for medical device quality management systems, most standards share common elements such as "organizational context analysis," "ISO 9001:2015 integration," "adoption of the High-Level Scale (HLS) framework," "introduction of risk-based thinking and risk management," and "strengthening the responsibilities of organizational leaders." The "organizational context analysis" section specifically emphasizes "4.1 Understanding the organization and its context" and "4.2 Understanding stakeholder needs and expectations," requiring that internal and external issues affecting the organization be the starting point for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a quality management system, emphasizing the connection between the quality management system and the organization's internal and external environment. Therefore, in the operation of the new version of ISO management system, the focus is no longer just on the implementation results of the project scope corresponding to each standard, but is more closely integrated with the overall operation management and even performance of the enterprise. Just like through the application of SWOT analysis tools, when planning the enterprise operation strategy, the opportunities, threats, strengths, weaknesses and other issues faced by the corresponding projects of each standard are included. Then, risk assessment and response measures are carried out to "leverage strengths" or "prevent problems before they occur"; so that the enterprise operation can obtain appropriate risk control and effectively improve performance, so as to achieve the result of sustainable profit and operation. However, simply conducting S through "understanding the organizational background" is not enough.

2023-06-04

Is low-carbon social housing feasible? Hua Jingqun: Incorporate the circular economy into contractual regulations as soon as possible

President Tsai Ing-wen's "200,000 Social Housing Units in Eight Years" policy is expected to be achieved through leasing and management of 80,000 units and direct construction of 120,000 units. Currently, 66,000 units have been matched through leasing and management, and 74,623 units have been completed and awarded. Yesterday (the 24th), the National Housing and Urban Renewal Center, in collaboration with the Circular Taiwan Foundation, held the "Homes of Tomorrow: Introducing the Circular Economy into Social Housing Forum." Hua Jingqun, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and Acting Chairman of the National Housing and Urban Renewal Center, pledged to continue working with manufacturers to develop viable business models and incorporate the circular economy into social housing contracts. "The circular economy shouldn't just be an idea; it needs to be truly implemented." Circular buildings are modular, allowing for the same construction as they are demolished. The circular economy is key to net zero emissions. Zheng Changfang, Senior Sustainability Consultant at ARUP, noted that 55% of global carbon emissions come from energy, and 45% from product manufacturing and consumption. Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy can only reduce carbon emissions by half. In addition to requiring building energy efficiency, the circular economy should also be implemented, with carbon emission intensity clearly specified in public housing bidding documents. Zheng Changfang pointed out that the core of circular architecture is "easy-to-disassemble design". Hong Kong's first modular (MiC) building, innocell, uses a one-piece modular design and is assembled by crane, which shortens the construction time by half, allowing Hong Kong's public housing to enter the modular era and facilitate the reuse of building materials. In recent years, construction prices have continued to rise. Guo Yingzhao, the chief architect of Jiudian United Architects, pointed out that the cost difference of pre-cast modularization has been eliminated and is no more expensive than traditional construction methods. However, Zheng Changfang admitted that modularization requires a larger hinterland for assembly.

2023-05-30

The Right to Repair movement is gaining momentum in Taiwan. The Environmental Protection Administration's "Repairability Index" prioritizes mobile phones and laptops for pilot testing.

To reduce the environmental impact and resource waste caused by electronic waste, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) plans to launch an "Electronic Product Repairability Index" modeled after France's "Repairability Index System." Starting next month, the EPA will provide mobile phone and laptop manufacturers with a pilot program. The repairability index will provide consumers with fully informed information, enabling them to make sustainable purchasing decisions. The EPA held its first briefing today (26th), with participation from nearly 20 mobile phone and laptop brands, including Apple, Samsung, ASUS, and ACER. The right to repair movement is gaining momentum in Taiwan, with the EPA launching the "Repairability Index." As electronic products become increasingly difficult to repair after damage, the EPA has developed the "Guidelines for Promoting the Electronic Product Repairability Index," drawing on the French repairability index system implemented in 2021. Wang Yuebin, Executive Secretary of the EPA's Recycling Foundation Management Committee, noted that promoting the repairability index will help consumers regain their "right to repair," extend product lifespans, and foster the development of a localized repair industry, maximizing the value of resources. The EPA explained that the French Repairability Index applies to 13 electrical and electronic products, including mobile phones, laptops, and televisions, and mandates that manufacturers or importers disclose the results of their self-assessment of the Repairability Index. Furthermore, the EU also announced a draft of the Sustainable Product Ecodesign Rules (ESPR) in 2022, which will disclose repairability scores through a product digital passport system. To gradually refine the guidelines, the EPA will launch a pilot program in June, prioritizing voluntary mobile phone or laptop manufacturers.

2023-05-26

my country's healthcare carbon emissions exceed global average; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's nine campuses sign sustainable development initiative

Healthcare accounts for 4.6% of Taiwan's carbon emissions. In response to climate change, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan's largest healthcare system, and its nine affiliated campuses signed the "Hospital Sustainability Initiative" with the Taiwan Institute of Sustainable Energy (TAISE) yesterday (the 18th). The initiative pledges to strengthen hospital governance and environmental sustainability. The initiative includes establishing a dedicated sustainability unit, regularly reviewing and disclosing electricity usage and carbon emissions, striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and developing relevant adaptation strategies. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital stated that it has long been committed to energy conservation and carbon reduction, setting annual energy conservation targets for each campus. Regarding renewable energy, solar water heating systems have been installed at the Kaohsiung and Tucheng campuses, and solar power generation systems are also being implemented at the Linkou Yongqing Campus, Taoyuan Campus, and Chiayi Campus, totaling 350.08 kW. Medical emissions in Taiwan account for 4.6%. Chang Gung is the fourth medical institution to sign the sustainable development initiative. Currently, all medical institutions that have signed the sustainable development initiative are Shin Kong Hospital, Taipei Medical University Hospital, and Far Eastern Memorial Hospital. However, they are all single-campus hospitals. Chang Gung Medical System is the first to sign across campuses. As the largest medical system in Taiwan, Chang Gung is led by Cheng Wenjun, chairman of the decision-making committee, and has a large lineup to demonstrate its determination to fully implement sustainable development. The presidents or vice presidents of the nine major campuses attended the signing in person yesterday. Cheng Wenjun said that medical care accounts for 4.6% of Taiwan's carbon emissions, which is higher than the global average of 4.4%. Taiwan must work harder to fight for the earth. "Chang Gung is actively playing a leading role in global carbon reduction efforts." As early as 2006, based on ISO standards

2023-05-24

Tainan's Liuying Baweng Dairy Farm demonstrates circular agriculture, turning pineapple peels and lemon residue into cattle feed.

Taiwan imports 50% of its forage grass. The Baweng circular agriculture farm in Liuying, Tainan, replaces some of the original feed by processing agricultural byproducts. Pineapple peels, lemon peels, and other materials are processed into silage, replacing 30% of the feed. This is estimated to displace nearly 4,000 tons annually, equivalent to a carbon reduction of 1,976 tons. Tainan's first and largest livestock manure recycling center will also open here next year. Tainan's first livestock manure recycling center is expected to open in 2024. Tainan City has 163 dairy farms and 26,000 head of cattle, ranking third nationwide. Tainan's first and largest livestock manure recycling center is expected to open in 2024 at the Baweng dairy farm in Liuying. It will process approximately 327 tons of manure wastewater daily and generate 900,000 kilowatt-hours of biogas annually. A second phase of the project will be completed to treat manure from 53 livestock farms in the area. Liuying Baweng is the largest dairy farming area in Tainan City, raising nearly 9,000 cattle, accounting for nearly 30% of the city's total. In order to promote the net zero recycling policy and reuse agricultural surplus resources, the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, is promoting the operation model of circular agriculture in Liuying Baweng Dairy Farming Area. On the 16th, the Animal Products Research Institute held a press conference on the "Circular Agriculture Demonstration Field Model" to share the results. 21 dairy farmers and 3,610 cattle out of the 53 households in the dairy farming area participated in the demonstration model, using cattle manure and urine to irrigate pasture and crops, and then processing fruit peels and pomace into feed to feed cattle, reducing the cost of agricultural and sideline product processing and feed costs, while also reducing carbon emissions. Long-term research and development has found a silage formula that does not affect the flavor of milk. The operation of the material flow in the dairy circular field first puts the cattle

2023-05-22

The Environmental Protection Agency's upgrade to the Ministry of Environment passed the third reading; the Executive Yuan will establish a task force on natural resource integration.

The Legislative Yuan passed the draft of the Ministry of Environment and its three-level agency organization law in the third reading today (9th), upgrading the Environmental Protection Administration, which was established 36 years ago, to the Ministry of Environment. In response to the breakdown of the original plan for the "Ministry of Environmental Resources" to handle the integration of mountain, forest, water and land resources, the Democratic Progressive Party group proposed an accompanying resolution, which is to establish a natural resource integration management team under the Executive Yuan in the future. Environmental Protection Administration Director Zhang Zijing said in a joint interview with the media that he was "really a little excited" about the third reading. He said that his colleagues all hope that the Ministry of Environment can be established on the same day as the establishment of the Environmental Protection Administration, August 22, but the exact date must be determined by the superiors. Environmental Protection Administration upgraded to Ministry of Environment, and the integration of mountains, forests, water and soil will be integrated by the Executive Yuan. Legislative Yuan Vice Speaker Tsai Chi-chang knocked the gavel at 10 am today (9th) to announce the approval of the relevant draft of the Ministry of Environment organization reform, and the upgrading of the Environmental Protection Administration to the Ministry of Environment was finally finalized. The voice calling for the reform of environmental-related government departments actually appeared around the 2000s and has been discussed for more than 20 years. In 2010, the Legislative Yuan passed the "Executive Yuan Organization Act," which planned to integrate the Environmental Protection Administration, the Council of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other agencies into the "Ministry of Environment and Resources" to be responsible for environmental protection and resource management. However, this has not been realized for more than 10 years. Chen Jiahua, a legislator from the New Power Party, said today that it was very regrettable that the "most conservative version" of the upgrade was finally passed. Although the Ministry of Environment can increase its law enforcement capacity, it also makes the ideal of integrating water conservation, forest protection, and environmental protection disappear. Many groups concerned with flood control and land restoration are very disappointed. I finally compromised because I hope that after the upgrade, the long-standing problems of air pollution, waste, and zombie environmental impact assessments can be improved.

2023-05-10

Scientists successfully isolate carbon-eating cyanobacteria from new discovery on Italian volcanic island

Off the coast of Sicily, Italy, lies a small island named after a volcano. On this island, Vulcano, scientists have discovered a type of cyanobacteria in volcanic springs that can devour carbon dioxide at an astonishing rate. In February of this year, the research team also completed sampling at a carbonated spring in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. The carbon dioxide concentration in the environment was even higher than that on Vulcano Island, pending further DNA sequence analysis. The biotech company funding the project believes the findings will contribute to the next generation of carbon capture technology. Unprecedented: Carbon-eating volcanic green photosynthetic bacteria cultivated in the laboratory. Researchers say this microorganism converts carbon dioxide into biomass faster than any other known cyanobacteria. "These bacteria appear to be able to grow naturally in volcanic eruptions, effectively utilizing the abundant carbon dioxide in the environment; compared to other known fast-growing cyanobacteria, this strain is more efficient at capturing carbon under several conditions. They also appear to have adapted to the bubbling, turbulent environment of volcanic eruptions, becoming denser and more likely to sink... This unusual property may help capture carbon and store it in the deep ocean," said Max Schubert of Harvard University, one of the authors of the study. After the scientists first discovered it on an Italian island last September, they collaborated with the University of Palermo to conduct sampling of hydrological, sedimentary and other microbial sources. Then, Harvard Medical School (Harvard M

2023-05-08

Introduction to BS8001 Circular Economy Standard

The circular economy is a restorative and renewable industrial system. Compared to the linear economy's concept of products with a "lifespan," the circular economy emphasizes "regeneration and restoration," eliminating waste and enabling more efficient resource utilization. It has become one of the key policies promoted by the new government since taking office. According to Vision 2050, published by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), if humanity continues to consume in a linear economy, its resource consumption will far exceed the Earth's regenerative capacity. By 2050, 2.3 Earths will be needed for human consumption. However, if other regenerative solutions are implemented, 1.1 Earths will be used, extending the lifespan of Earth's resources. Given the limited resources of the Earth, the concept of the circular economy has gained increasing attention in recent years, and more and more companies are seeking alternatives (circular economies) to their current "economic models." The circular economy seeks a balance between economic growth and resource consumption through a more circular approach. This approach can help overcome the resource pressures brought about by the projected growth of the global middle class. It also hopes that by improving resource use, new economic and job opportunities can be created, while also providing environmental benefits. In September 2015, McKinsey & Company's "Circular Economy Opportunities in Europe" report pointed out that by 2030, the net economic benefits of the circular economy in Europe alone could reach 1.8 trillion euros. This is a huge

2023-05-06

Fifteen service industry companies are calling for 16 million kWh of electricity savings this year, focusing on energy-efficient lighting and temperature control in stores.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs' Department of Commerce held the "Commercial Services Industry Unites to Achieve Net Zero Emissions Initiative" today (the 21st). Fifteen Taiwanese service providers, including leading department store Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, large-scale hypermarket operator RT-Mart, and chain retailer National Electronics, pledged their net zero commitments. They hope to invite consumers to join them in promoting lifestyle transformation, with the goal of saving 16 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and reducing 8,000 tons of carbon emissions by 2023. The providers stated that they will improve energy efficiency through store renovations, replacing high-energy-consuming equipment, and adopting energy-efficient air conditioners. 15 commercial service providers are eyeing energy-efficient air conditioners and lighting equipment, aiming to save 16 million kilowatt-hours of electricity this year. The businesses participating in the initiative today include department stores (Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Far Eastern Department Store, Global Shopping Center, Pacific Sogo Department Store, Taipei 101), hypermarkets (RT-Mart, Meilienshe, National Electronics), convenience stores (President Enterprises, Lai Lai), restaurants (Xiangbin Hospitality, Maiweideng, Liujiao International, Doufu Catering), and logistics (President Express). They have jointly declared that they will save 16 million kilowatt-hours of electricity by 2023, reducing carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by 8,000 tons, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption capacity of 21 Daan Forest Parks. The industry has proposed specific measures to save electricity and improve energy efficiency. National Electronics will promote the replacement of energy-saving LED lamps in 100 stores and implement store temperature control, which is expected to save 200,000 kWh of electricity. Lai Lai Convenience Store plans to conduct an energy-saving lighting assessment for its stores and replace energy-saving lighting equipment in 900 physical stores. Uni-President Convenience Store has also announced that it will use the REM

2023-04-26

Analysis of circular economy trends and current certification systems

Faced with growing global environmental problems and the challenges of resource depletion, the circular economy has become a compelling solution in today's society. The circular economy emphasizes maximizing the use and reuse of resources to achieve economic growth and social progress while minimizing the burden on the environment. To achieve the goals of the circular economy, countries have introduced certification systems to encourage businesses and institutions to move towards sustainable development. This article will explore the trends of the circular economy and analyze existing certification systems. 1. Circular Economy Trends Resource Recovery and Reuse: The circular economy focuses on the recovery and reuse of resources to extend their lifespan. Through innovative technologies and designs, waste is transformed into new resources, reducing dependence on natural resources. Product Design and Manufacturing: The circular economy advocates sustainable product design to reduce material and energy consumption. It also promotes the use of green technologies in the production process to reduce emissions and waste. Sharing Economy: The rise of the sharing economy model aligns with the concept of a circular economy, maximizing resource utilization through the sharing of resources and facilities, such as shared cars and shared farmland. Reverse Logistics: The circular economy emphasizes the end-of-life processing of products. Reverse logistics systems make product recycling and reuse more efficient and feasible. 2. Current Certification System LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): LEED is an international green building certification system that aims to promote the

2023-04-04

A decade from now, as photovoltaic panels face a wave of retirement, a local team is promoting smart technology for 100% recycling.

Starting from 2035, 100,000 metric tons of photovoltaic panels will be discarded in Taiwan every year, and how to properly recycle them is a major challenge. The "2023 Smart City Exhibition and Net Zero City Exhibition" opened yesterday (28th) at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall. The Tainan University team and industry players have developed a world-leading photovoltaic panel disassembly technology, using intelligent calculations to calculate the disassembly method. The entire process does not require water, heat, or chemical reactions, and can achieve 100% complete disassembly and recycling of photovoltaic panels. Starting from 2035, 100,000 tons of waste photovoltaic panels will be produced annually. The low recycling rate of manual disassembly and the increasing proportion of renewable energy have also led to new types of waste problems. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Taiwan will see a wave of photovoltaic panel retirement starting from 2031, and about 100,000 metric tons of waste photovoltaic panels will be produced each year starting from 2035. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) estimates that waste photovoltaic panels will account for about 1% of the world's garbage in the future. Photovoltaic panels are a "sandwich structure" consisting of translucent glass, solar cells, and a fluorine-containing backsheet, bonded together with EVA rubber in the middle, and then fixed with an aluminum frame. In recent years, the National Tainan University team and Dong Hong Corporation have developed original technologies to achieve 100% complete disassembly and recycling of solar panels through physical and mechanical disassembly. Hong Jiacong, co-founder and CEO of Hon Tan Corporation, who participated in the research and development of the National Tainan University team and was later established with the guidance of the National Science Council, explained that photovoltaic panels are made of different materials glued together. Physical disassembly by manual means will ultimately result in parts that are difficult to separate. Most of them are broken and downgraded for use as building materials, road fillers, or enter incinerators. Only the aluminum frame can be effectively reused. In addition, there are about 20,000 sizes of photovoltaic panels in the world, and Taiwan

2023-03-31

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) will introduce its first hydrogen refueling station by the end of the year. my country's hydrogen energy development still lacks relevant regulations.

CPC Corporation plans to introduce Taiwan's first mobile hydrogen refueling station by the end of this year. However, some industry insiders have pointed out that there are currently no regulations in Taiwan for hydrogen station installation, and suggest conducting trial runs based on international practices. The high initial costs of hydrogen vehicles will require government subsidies to offset the costs, otherwise the hydrogen produced will have nowhere to go. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chung Chia-bin announced the establishment of the "Taiwan and Asia-Pacific Parliamentary New Energy Promotion Alliance" today (the 17th). He also held a public hearing on hydrogen energy development in Taiwan, inviting experts from industry, government, and academia to discuss the application and future development of hydrogen energy. CPC will build Taiwan's first hydrogen refueling station by the end of the year. Zeng Wensheng stated that regulations will be formulated as soon as possible. Hydrogen energy is one of Taiwan's 12 key strategies for the 2050 net-zero transition and a key component of future energy and net-zero policies. As the net-zero target approaches, gasoline-powered vehicles will inevitably become obsolete, and hydrogen vehicles will become an alternative to electric vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles refuel similarly to traditional gasoline vehicles, requiring drivers to refuel at a hydrogen station, a process that takes approximately three to five minutes. CPC Corporation plans to introduce Taiwan's first mobile hydrogen refueling station in Kaohsiung by the end of this year, which will be used in conjunction with the government's hydrogen vehicle demonstration in the future. CPC Corporation stated that the mobile hydrogen refueling station has the characteristics of small footprint, low investment cost and short construction period, and can supply 60 to 80 kilograms of hydrogen per day, which can serve about two large buses or 10 passenger cars. Gas manufacturer Linde LienHwa also announced that it will introduce hydrogen energy technology this year and set up a demonstration hydrogen refueling station in the Shugu Industrial Park in Tainan for testing by the government and related units. However, Hotai Auto

2023-03-20

Taiwan Lithium Battery Resource Industry Association established, linking 30 companies to build a recycling system

Taiwan's lithium battery industry has been developing for many years. In response to the demand for batteries such as electrification of vehicles and renewable energy storage, it is estimated that the amount of secondary lithium battery waste in Taiwan will exceed 1,000 tons in 2025. Relevant industry players established the "Taiwan Lithium Battery Resource Industry Association" today (10th), connecting the upstream and downstream supply chains for the first time to build a recycling system to allow the sustainable use of waste batteries. Lithium batteries are widely used and the industry is connected to create a circular economy. In response to the climate crisis, countries around the world are promoting carbon reduction and striving for net zero emissions. Under the wave of energy transformation, electric vehicles and renewable energy have become one of the mainstream development projects. Lithium battery companies established the "Taiwan Lithium Battery Resource Industry Association" today (10th). The association pointed out that whether it is power batteries, wind power, solar power, etc., they all need the cooperation of energy storage systems. Lithium batteries are the most widely used today and play a key role in low-carbon development. Taiwan's lithium battery industry has been developing for many years. In addition to having accumulated considerable technology and experience, it also has a complete supply chain system. For the first time, the industry has connected the upstream, midstream and downstream lithium battery recycling industry chain to establish the "Taiwan Lithium Battery Resource Industry Association" and invited related companies such as battery materials, manufacturing, assembly, application and resource utilization to participate in the event. Currently, there are 30 companies joining, with a total of 100 members. According to a report by Central News Agency, Chen Yijie, vice chairman of Mingren Resources, who served as the first chairman, expressed his hope that through the establishment of the association, domestic industry, academia and research cooperation and exchanges will be promoted, and a lithium battery resource recycling economy system will be established to enable the sustainable recycling of domestic recycled materials and batteries, enhance industrial development and competitiveness, and build Taiwan into a lithium battery

2023-03-15

Unilever aims to save electricity and reduce carbon emissions in the ice cream industry by raising ice cream counters by 6°C while maintaining delicious taste.

Unilever, with over 400 brands and global revenue exceeding €50 billion, boasts a diverse portfolio, including Ben & Jerry's, Wall's, Breyers, and Magnum, all of which are regularly ranked among the world's top ten ice cream brands. Unilever announced that it is testing a new recipe that would allow ice cream freezers to be set up to 6°C higher, potentially contributing to carbon reduction efforts across the entire ice cream industry. This requires not only changing the ice cream recipe but also ensuring the ice cream cones are crispy while retaining the unique taste of each brand. Unilever expects this change to reduce electricity usage and carbon emissions per freezer by 20% to 30%. Unilever stated that electricity consumption in retailers' freezers, where ice cream is sold, accounts for approximately 10% of Unilever's greenhouse gas footprint across its value chain. While the industry standard for freezers is set at -18°C, Unilever is experimenting with raising the temperature to -12°C in hopes of reducing its carbon footprint. To achieve this goal, Unilever has been conducting a pilot program in Germany since May 2022, and plans to expand it to Indonesia this year. Matt Close, president of Unilever's ice cream division, said the pilot program will help Unilever understand the impact of rising temperatures and ensure that the taste remains unchanged. The goal is not just for Unilever, but for the entire industry to change. According to the Wall Street Journal, the benefits of doing so will also help impress consumers with green consumption awareness and even extend the ice cream's shelf life.

2023-03-13

Using circular economy standards to create mature business models

In recent years, the "circular economy" has become a global concern, giving rise to numerous innovative business models. This shift from the traditional linear production model of mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal to a continuous recycling and utilization of materials, creating a "resource, product, and renewable resource" cycle. This creates economic performance and fundamentally resolves the conflict between economic development and environmental impact. Due to the complexity and numerous technical and regulatory barriers associated with the circular economy, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant barriers to entry in their innovation and development. In June 2017, the British Standards Institution (BSI) officially released the Circular Economy Guidance Standard (BS8001), the world's first circular economy standard. This standard promotes the concepts and principles of the circular economy, guiding SMEs to identify their relevance and potential areas of focus, thereby bridging the gap in circular production models. The Circular Economy Standard (BS8001) is the first in the world to provide a framework and guidance for promoting the circular economy within an organization. It helps small and medium-sized enterprises to think about and promote the direction of recycling, while re-examining factory operations and correcting their production models through systematic logic to achieve sustainable factory operations and help products, parts and materials maintain their highest value. It can also help accelerate the transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises, help them develop action plans, and obtain the benefits of the circular economy. How to use the circular economy standard to create a mature business model, the implementation key points are summarized as follows: Establish a system for the company to operate a circular economy

2023-03-10

Taiwan's renewable energy sector grew 36% last year, surpassing nuclear power in electricity generation for the first time in 2022.

The Bureau of Energy (BEI) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) released its monthly energy statistics last week, showing that renewable energy accounted for 8.3% of Taiwan's total electricity generation in 2022, narrowly surpassing nuclear power's 8.2%. This marks the first time that renewable energy has surpassed nuclear power in a full year. Renewable energy generation increased by 36% compared to the previous year. The MEA stated that it will continue to increase green power capacity, projecting it will reach 29GW by 2025. Renewable energy accounted for 8.3% of total electricity generation for the year, narrowly surpassing nuclear power for the first time. To achieve its 2050 net-zero emissions target, Taiwan is fully committed to developing renewable energy. According to the latest BEI Monthly Energy Statistics released last week (February 7), total renewable energy generation from January to December 2022 reached 23,843 gigawatt-hours (GWh), accounting for approximately 8.3% of total electricity generation. This narrowly surpassed nuclear power, which generated 23,755 GWh, or 8.2%, and marked the first time that renewable energy generation surpassed nuclear power in a full year. Compared with the 17,456 million kWh of renewable energy power generation in 2021, it grew by 36% in 2022 alone. Comparing the global power generation structure, according to the "2020 World Nuclear Industry Status Report", the global share of renewable energy power generation surpassed nuclear power for the first time in 2019. The latest "2022 World Nuclear Industry Status Report" shows that in 2021, nuclear power's share of global total power generation has dropped to 9.8%, falling below 10% for the first time. This figure is the lowest point in 40 years. The European Union set a record for the "greenest year" in 2020, with renewable energy accounting for the total power generation of its 27 member states.

2023-02-17

Poop is hot: Renewable natural gas made from livestock manure fetches higher prices, prompting Shell and BP to invest more.

In the past, livestock manure was highly shunned due to its stench and methane emissions. However, in recent years, it has become a hot commodity, both as a source of biogas for power generation and as a purified form of renewable natural gas (RNG). Besides being sold as regular natural gas, RNG also offers environmental subsidies for reducing methane emissions, making manure what foreign media describe as "brown gold." However, climate experts and advocates worry that this transformation will incentivize ranches to expand, defeating the original purpose of reducing methane emissions. Claiming to be more sustainable, RNG has become a popular energy source, with oil companies increasing their investment. The Guardian reports that investment in converting manure into energy has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years. This growth has been particularly pronounced in states with strong livestock production, such as California, Wisconsin, and New York. This business has become even more popular after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (2022), which introduced several incentives for renewable energy and carbon reduction measures. Taking California as an example, by the end of 2022, more than 100 publicly funded anaerobic manure digestion facilities were under construction and would soon be put into operation. In 2021, the number of RNG equipment (including those in planning and already in operation) in the livestock and agricultural sectors in the United States increased by more than 36% compared to the previous year. Methane emissions are one of the problems in the livestock industry. Animal burps and decomposition in manure storage tanks release methane, which is the second largest greenhouse gas causing global warming, with a warming potential 28-36 times that of carbon dioxide. In the past,

2023-02-13

ISO 14067:2018 Product Carbon Footprint Inventory Instructions

In recent years, a global trend toward carbon reduction has spurred the implementation of various greenhouse gas reduction measures and management strategies. Consequently, ISO published the ISO/TS 14067 technical specification for carbon footprint in 2013, providing a method for companies to calculate the carbon footprint of their products and services. This method allows for inventory and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the product lifecycle, enabling companies to understand their carbon footprint and disclose this information to key stakeholders, enabling them to plan better low-carbon products. After years of development, ISO released ISO 14067:2018, Product Carbon Footprint — Requirements and Guidelines for Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions, in January 2018, replacing the ISO/TS 14067:2013 technical specification. ISO 14067:2018 was also upgraded to an international standard. The key changes in the new version of the standard are to strengthen external communication and increase quantification, and incorporate multiple standard framework processes. The revision focuses include: Table 1 ISO14067:2018 chapter changes and differences Chapter Differences 4. Application Adjust the text and align it with ISO14026 communication requirements 5. Principles (1) Corresponding - Functional Unit (CFP)/Declaration Unit (Partial CFP) (2) Delete 5.13 Participation & 5.14 Fairness 6. Quantification Method 6.1 Added a new reference standard for systematic quantification of carbon footprint (Annex C) 6.2 PCR reference standard revision

2023-02-10

Environmental impact assessment incremental offsets are being expanded to the agricultural sector, with carbon credits now also available for replacing farm machinery and improving fish pond water tankers.

Starting in 2020, all development parks in Taiwan larger than 50 hectares will be required to submit greenhouse gas offset commitments. The Environmental Protection Administration recently expanded the types of offset sources to include agricultural sector carbon reduction. This marks the first opportunity for farmers to benefit from carbon reduction activities, in addition to afforestation and livestock manure treatment. On the 19th, the Environmental Protection Administration revised and released the "Principles for the Treatment of Incremental Greenhouse Gas Emissions Offsets in Development Activities Reviewed by the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan" (hereinafter referred to as the "Treatment Principles"). Farmers who replace old agricultural machinery with electric power, replace fish-attracting lights on fishing boats with LED lights, and replace aquaculture water trucks with high-efficiency, energy-saving equipment can all receive carbon reduction credits. The Council of Agriculture stated that it is currently working out a reasonable amount to purchase carbon reduction credits from farmers in the form of subsidies and then resell them to developers. It hopes to begin purchasing credits this year. Environmental impact assessment development offset principles include a new category of agricultural carbon reduction. In order to promote greenhouse gas reduction by environmental impact assessment development units, the Environmental Protection Agency issued the "Treatment Principles" in 2020, requiring those who meet the requirements of park development of more than 50 hectares, factory establishment, thermal power generation other than natural gas, and cogeneration plant construction to make incremental offset commitments to offset the increased greenhouse gas emissions from development. After the "Treatment Principles" were released in 2020, a total of five major sources of offsets were listed. The Environmental Protection Agency revised and added a variety of offset sources on January 19, and included carbon reduction in the agricultural and transportation sectors. In agriculture, replacing old agricultural machinery with electric agricultural machinery, replacing old fish-attracting lights on fishing boats with LED lights, and replacing fish pond aeration equipment with high-efficiency and energy-saving equipment can all be sources of offsets; in transportation, the "replacement of old cars with electric or hybrid cars" has been added.

2023-02-06