In the COP30 Brazil Pavilion, staff members introduce Quzhou's carbon accounting system. [Photo/State Grid Quzhou Power Supply Company]

Quzhou in East China's Zhejiang province showcased its efforts in promoting green development through carbon accounting at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Quzhou is China's first city with a comprehensive "carbon account" system. The representatives from Quzhou presented the Research Report on the Development and Application of Quzhou's Trusted Carbon Emission Data Space on Nov 14.

A carbon account acts as an "environmental ledger" for carbon emissions. Ding Ding, from China's National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, noted the importance of measurable, manageable, and tradable carbon data in achieving the nation's carbon goals. Quzhou's system offers a solution to this global challenge, said Ding.

In 2020, Quzhou partnered with the State Grid to establish an energy data center. This center enables real-time monitoring of energy consumption and automatic accounting of carbon emissions for large-scale enterprises and public institutions.

Zhejiang Mingwang Dairy, based in Quzhou, reduced electricity costs and carbon emissions by installing energy monitoring points, reducing carbon emissions by over 4,400 metric tons annually.

Carbon accounts are also transforming residents' lives in Quzhou, with citizens earning carbon points for eco-friendly activities, which can be exchanged for benefits.

Quzhou has established over 2.39 million carbon accounts, covering 100 percent of large enterprises and 95 percent of adults, reducing carbon emissions by a total of 2.98 million tons.

Simon Sharpe, director of Economics for the UN Climate Champions Team, praised Quzhou's model as a valuable example for global climate action.