Taipei, TaiwanPathway to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions & Energy Efficiency
Taiwan has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, developing both short- and medium-term measures to guide this transition. Groundwork for this initiative was set with the optimisation of the Carbon Footprint Calculator and the establishment of Product Category Rules (PCR) specifically for business events activities. The first is a tool that helps attendees calculate their emissions while visiting a destination, encouraging them to be more active in reducing their footprint. PCR is a rule that determine what should be verify with ISO 14067.
Significant strides have also been made in energy efficiency, guided by the ISO 50001 standard for energy management systems. The Taipei International Convention Center has upgraded its lighting control systems, while ICC Tainan leverages its geographical advantage to harness solar power, covering a portion of its operational energy needs. These improvements, coupled with the replacement of energy-saving equipment, allow conference organisers to actively participate in sustainable practices.
Promotion of Sustainable Standards & Education Initiatives
Taiwan is focused on establishing a sustainable standard mechanism for the meetings industry. By encouraging operators to obtain international certifications and providing guidance tools, such as an exhibitor sustainability guide, Taiwan aims to elevate the environmental standards of its activities. The goal is not only to increase the domestic industry’s competitiveness but also to ensure that international conferences in Taiwan fall in line with global sustainability requirements, attracting more international participation.
To enhance sustainability awareness, MEETTAIWAN offers extensive education and training programs. These include carbon reduction workshops, best practices sharing, and hands-on guidance for business events operators and exhibitors. The collaboration between Taiwan’s International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) to publish the “2022 Taiwan MICE Sustainability White Paper” was part of such programs.
Offering further supports the meetings industry, MEETTAIWAN provides counselling for obtaining ISO-related certifications. Local operators, including PCOs, suppliers and venue operators, are guided by experts on how to meet international standards, leaving no one behind.
Industry-Wide Collaboration for Green Influence
Taiwan’s strategy extends beyond individual conferences, aiming to connect industries and expand the green effect. An “Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Diagnostic Service Team” has been established to provide expert guidance on sustainable practices. This includes advising on the use of eco-friendly materials, implementing paperless measures, and reducing disposable waste.
The “MICE Industry Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Zone” website has been upgraded to include tools like the Carbon Footprint Calculator and the Corporate Decarbonisation Evaluation System. These resources help stakeholders assess and manage their carbon emissions, offering customised reports and guidelines. Earlier this year, MEET TAIWAN introduced English versions and international flight carbon calculation functions making these tools accessible to a wider international audience.
Sustainable Demonstration Exhibition & Certification Support
Taiwan has successfully implemented sustainable practices in various high-profile events, demonstrating the potential for sustainability in the industry. The 2024 Fastener Taiwan exhibition is a fine example, reducing 116.13 tons of carbon emissions and achieving a 66.39% reduction. The event integrated practices in four key areas: travel, freight & logistics, food & food waste, and production & waste.
By providing an exhibitor sustainability guide, organisers guided exhibitors on low-carbon practices, and sustainable development advocacy was widely supported by participants, with almost 60% of exhibitors already engaging in sustainable actions and 93.7% of visitors willing to support these efforts.
The Junior Chamber International World Congress also demonstrated Taiwan’s dedication to sustainability. On July 17, Junior Chamber International signed JCI International Human Duties for Sustainable Development Advocacy in Taoyuan, Taiwan. JCI announced the 10th of July as International Human Duties Day, underlining the responsibilities and duties that individuals have towards their communities and the world, and promised to protect life, serve people and promote the sustainable and harmonious development of the world.
Their World Congress will be held in October and will feature initiatives like creating eco-friendly commemorative shirts from recycled PET bottles, tracking attendees’ transportation and accommodation to calculate carbon emissions, and using a conference app to replace paper materials. Additionally, recycled tableware and low-carbon catering will be implemented, proving Taiwan’s circular economy commitment.
The annual meeting of the Ophthalmological Society of Taiwan offers yet another noteworthy case study. This is the first time that this event issued the Sustainable Exhibition Practice Award, encouraging exhibitors to implement sustainable measures. Conference consumables were minimised through the use of electronic posters and reusable materials. Member gifts were made from eco-friendly materials, and recyclable tableware replaced disposable options. An exclusive electronic platform was also used to reduce paper usage, setting a new standard for sustainable business events.
During The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2024 in Singapore, William Wu, economic division director at the Taipei Representative Office of Singapore, said to Meetings and Conventions Asia: “We aspire to leverage our influence within the MICE industry to address broader social and environmental issue. As the proverb goes, actions speak louder than words. Our commitment extends beyond advocacy; we also take tangible actions.”
For more information about Taiwan as a conference destination, visit https://www.meettaiwan.com/en/sustainable-mice/page/sustainability/index.html
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