Sweden+Taiwan Green Transition Alliance partnered with the Taipei City Government to host the "2023 Net Zero Sustainable Cities Roundtable Discussion

To promote the green transformation of urban areas, the Swedish Trade & Invest Council partnered with the Taipei City Government to host the "2023 Net Zero Sustainable Cities Roundtable Discussion " on September 8th. This roundtable focused on discussing and exchanging ideas regarding green architecture, transportation, and renewable energy.

In 2021, , the Swedish Trade & Invest Council, along with Swedish companies operating in Taiwan, established the "Sweden+Taiwan Green Transition Alliance." This alliance actively promotes collaboration in the fields of sustainable development and green transformation. In 2023, the alliance expanded to include members such as Alfa Laval, Assa Abloy, Atlas Copco, Baseload Power Taiwan, Volvo Cars Taiwan, and Volvo Trucks. These members are involved in various areas, including green transportation, sustainable manufacturing, renewable energy, and smart sustainable construction.

Local governments play a crucial role in addressing green transformation challenges. In 2021, Taipei City took the lead by introducing the "Taipei City 2050 Net Zero Action White Paper." This document outlines specific objectives in three key areas: "Smart Zero Carbon Buildings," "Green Transportation and Low Carbon Mobility," and "Full Circular Zero Waste." The plan aims to reduce carbon emissions across residential, transportation, and waste management sectors, ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

During the opening address, Anders Wollter, the Swedish Representative in Taiwan, highlighted Sweden's second-place ranking in the 2023 United Nations Sustainable Development Ranking. He emphasized Sweden's ongoing efforts to achieve zero fossil fuel usage by 2045. In an era marked by rapid urbanization and environmental challenges, the need to establish sustainable cities has become increasingly urgent. This necessity presents both a challenge and an opportunity, compelling us to seek innovative solutions.

Director Wu Sheng-Chung of the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau expressed that attaining net-zero emissions by 2050 has become a global consensus, with cities worldwide actively seeking solutions for achieving net-zero status and undergoing transformative changes. Taipei City has integrated climate change adaptation strategies into its urban planning to enhance the city's resilience. Throughout the roundtable, Swedish companies shared their intelligent and low-carbon urban solutions. The event commenced with a presentation by the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau on Taipei City's journey toward net-zero transformation. Subsequent sessions delved into topics such as "Smart Zero Carbon Buildings," "Green Transportation and Low Carbon Mobility," and "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency." These sessions featured technical insights, knowledge sharing, and interactive discussions.

In the "Smart Zero Carbon Buildings" session, Alfa Laval introduced its energy-efficient HVAC systems designed for green buildings, offering effective solutions to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency in construction projects. Assa Abloy shared its innovative low-energy smart access control system.

During the "Green Transportation and Low Carbon Mobility" session, Volvo Trucks presented its electric garbage trucks, which provide cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally friendly transportation solutions to meet the demands of green cities. Atlas Copco explained how their products can be applied to public transportation vehicles like subways and buses to contribute to energy conservation. In the "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency" session, Alfa Laval showcased their heat exchangers, which assist users in achieving optimal heating and cooling efficiency, thereby supporting energy savings and carbon reduction objectives. Atlas Copco discussed the role of their compressed air systems and blowers in green manufacturing. Baseload Power Taiwan is dedicated to developing clean and sustainable geothermal power generation, fostering more resilient local communities, and assisting Taiwan in realizing its energy transformation vision.

Although Taiwan and Sweden face different environmental goals and challenges due to variations in urban development and industrial structures, both are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This shared goal is seen as a key factor in enhancing industrial competitiveness.