Hainan's Dongyu Island achieves zero-carbon milestone

A green transformation is unfolding on Dongyu Island in Qionghai city, Hainan province, setting a new benchmark for global low-carbon development. In March 2024, the island launched a near-zero carbon demonstration project and now, it has achieved a complete transition to zero-carbon status, emerging as a model for sustainable development.

The term "zero-carbon" does not mean zero emissions in absolute terms. Instead, it involves precisely measuring greenhouse gas output, implementing targeted reduction strategies and offsetting remaining carbon footprints to achieve net-zero emissions. This concept has been put into practice on Dongyu Island, home to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).

Wang Fuping, director of the Low-Carbon Research Center at the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Hainan branch, said that the island has not only met international zero-carbon standards but also developed an innovative and replicable blueprint — dubbed the "China Zero-Carbon Solution".

This year's conference integrated environmental practices across multiple sectors, including exhibition setups, energy use, transportation and conference logistics.

All BFA corporate partners used low-toxicity, fire-resistant materials to ensure environmentally responsible construction. Logistics routes were optimized, and new energy vehicles were used to transport materials, reducing carbon emissions.

The conference adopted a fully renewable energy approach, with all venues on Dongyu Island powered entirely by green electricity, including 1,518 solar panels on the traditional Hainan-inspired Coconut Grove Pavilion.

Smart conference systems also reduced reliance on printed materials. Recycled and sustainable materials were used for all official documents and stationery.

"The breakthrough is retrofitting existing infrastructure, not just new construction," Wang said. While projects like Sweden's Hammarby Sjostad eco-town are built from scratch, Dongyu Island demonstrates how older systems can transition to zero-carbon.