Sustainable Development Goals

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[By Ho Hung-pin / Kaohsiung Report]

In response to the global trend toward carbon emissions reduction, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has instructed city government departments to implement carbon credit-focused projects. On the 25th, the Environmental Protection Bureau held a workshop at the Kaohsiung Net-Zero Academy, where Professor Fan Chien-te of National Tsing Hua University led discussions with city government officials. Mayor Chen and heads of various departments also took part. Currently, six carbon credit projects are being implemented across the Kaohsiung City Government, covering initiatives such as EV charging stations, chiller replacement, and afforestation. (See photo.)

The Environmental Protection Bureau explained on the 26th that Kaohsiung accounts for one-fifth of Taiwan’s total carbon emissions, prompting the city government to take a more proactive approach to emissions reduction. In addition to encouraging department heads and staff to obtain relevant certifications at the Net-Zero Academy, the city government has also launched carbon credit-focused projects tailored to each department’s responsibilities.

During the workshop, Mayor Chen encouraged staff to begin with relatively straightforward projects, become familiar with the application procedures, and gain a better understanding of the challenges involved. He emphasized that the expertise acquired in applying for carbon credits would become an important asset for the city government and should be passed down to future generations of public servants to ensure continuity.

During the workshop, various departments presented carbon credit projects that had been completed or were currently underway. The Environmental Protection Bureau shared its experience in applying for carbon credits through an electric bus project operated by Han Cheng Bus. In 2024, the project obtained 1,367 tons of carbon emission reduction credits. The bureau is now working with private-sector partners on a bundled project involving 570 charging points, with the aim of securing carbon credits through Verra, an international carbon crediting organization. The application was successfully submitted at the end of last year.

In terms of energy efficiency improvements, the Economic Development Bureau has partnered with the Transportation Development Bureau and the National Stadium Administration Office on Energy Service Company (ESCO) projects. The initiative is expected to generate emission reduction credits through the replacement of chillers at the National Stadium and the Fengshan Administrative Center. Measurement reports have been completed, with total emission reductions projected to exceed 1,100 metric tons over ten years.

In the renewable energy sector, the Water Resources Bureau has installed a solar photovoltaic system at the Qimei Wastewater Treatment Plant. Unlike conventional projects that sell all generated electricity to Taiwan Power Company, this project adopts a self-consumption model and has applied to the Ministry of Environment for emission reduction credits. The credits are expected to support a carbon-neutral demonstration project at the wastewater treatment plant.

Regarding carbon sinks, the Agriculture Bureau shared its afforestation and forest carbon sink projects. Meanwhile, the Finance Bureau presented its green bond program. The city issued NT$2 billion in green bonds in 2024 and completed another NT$2.5 billion issuance in January this year. These sustainable investments help reduce interest expenses associated with the metro system and provide a financial foundation that other departments can reference when implementing net-zero policies.

Chang Jui-hui, Director-General of the Environmental Protection Bureau, said the bureau has partnered with Professor Fan Chien-te of National Tsing Hua University to provide professional guidance and recommendations to help other city government departments advance their carbon credit projects.

Six carbon credit projects are currently underway across the Kaohsiung City Government. The city will continue to evaluate additional applications, including projects involving livestock manure management, replacement of medical equipment, and urban afforestation. In addition to pursuing emission reduction credits through Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment, the city is also exploring opportunities to obtain carbon credits from international organizations.

Looking ahead, the city government plans to engage with private-sector companies and explore ways for businesses to initiate their own carbon credit applications. These efforts are expected not only to enhance Kaohsiung’s international competitiveness but also to deliver tangible carbon emissions reductions and advance the city’s goal of becoming more sustainable.

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