Hundreds of all-electric taxis are set to be put into use in Quzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

Quzhou, a city in East China's Zhejiang province, is making strides in green and low-carbon transformation by creating a comprehensive "carbon account" system.

On May 1, the city implemented the "Quzhou Carbon Account Construction and Application Regulation," marking China's first legislation focused on carbon account systems.

A carbon account serves as a "carbon emission ledger" for individuals and enterprises, using IoT and big data to precisely track everything from public transportation use to industrial energy consumption.

Since pioneering carbon accounts in 2017, Quzhou has established more than 2.39 million accounts, covering 95 percent of residents over 18 and all large-scale enterprises.

Carbon accounts are transforming residents' lives in Quzhou. Residents earn "carbon points" through low-carbon actions such as cycling and waste sorting, which can be redeemed for rewards like bike-sharing vouchers.

The regulation requires carbon accounts for energy-consuming units with annual comprehensive energy consumption exceeding 1,000 metric tons of standard coal, helping promote energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

For instance, Kecheng District People's Hospital significantly reduced its energy costs through real-time monitoring of energy consumption and upgrades to energy-consuming equipment.

Quzhou's carbon account system, recognized by national authorities and showcased during the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, offers valuable insights for global carbon management.