Taiwan’s Only Selected City: Taoyuan Achieves A-List City Status in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
On June 4, Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Su Chun-Pin attended the 2024 World Cities Summit in Singapore to receive the highest A-List City award from the International Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Su emphasized that carbon disclosure acts as a health check for cities; the more transparent it is, the more accurately zero-emission policies can be implemented. Taoyuan is the only city in Taiwan to receive the award this year. In Asia, cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Jakarta were among the eight awarded, out of nearly 1,000 participating cities worldwide, with only 120 cities receiving awards. This recognition is a significant step for Taoyuan to reach international standards and gain global recognition.
Su highlighted the many innovations in net-zero initiatives that Taoyuan has implemented over the past year. Under the leadership of Mayor Chang Shan-Cheng, who regularly holds net-zero meetings, the city has actively planned short- and mid-term goals focusing on industrial carbon reduction, urban building carbon reduction, and green transportation. The city has also integrated low-carbon guidelines into various major events, demonstrating its commitment to participating in and addressing the Carbon Disclosure Project.
Su further explained that Taoyuan’s industrial and commercial output has reached NT$4.8 trillion, the highest in the country. As the leader in industrial and commercial development trends, Taoyuan faces significant challenges in net-zero transformation. In response to climate change and to achieve the 2050 net-zero target, the city government has identified three core areas: “Industry Transformation Assistance,” “Green Transportation Realization,” and “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.” By using scientific models for assessment, Taoyuan has transparently disclosed carbon emission management risks and opportunities, showcasing a complete and transparent path to net-zero, successfully earning recognition in the CDP Cities’ evaluation.
Su emphasized Taoyuan’s efforts in “Industry Transformation Assistance,” where industries are guided to shift from high-carbon fuels to clean fuels. In 2023, Taoyuan successfully joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, gradually eliminating coal demand and proposing alternatives such as natural gas or electricity. In “Green Transportation Realization,” Taoyuan continues to develop rail transport systems and promote the electrification of transport means. The city has notably improved public transportation usage by introducing the “Happy Mileage 30km” and promoting the T-PASS monthly commuter ticket to boost public transportation growth. Additionally, clear goals have been set for transport electrification, such as fully electrifying city buses by 2030 and ensuring 100% electrification of official vehicles in government agencies and schools.
In the field of “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency,” Taoyuan is in line with national energy stability policies, continuously developing renewable energy and supporting energy storage subsidies to stabilize green energy supply and demand. Taoyuan maintains the highest photovoltaic installation capacity in northern Taiwan. In addition, the city assists industries with greenhouse gas inventories, energy-saving improvements, and the introduction of smart energy management systems through green factories and industrial guidance groups, helping industries gradually achieve net-zero transformation.
Sources: Taoyuan City Government
