European Union, 2024

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EU-China Cooperation on Circular Economy: Green Transition in Guangzhou Industry by Reusing Workwear

Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong

European Union, 2024

European Union, 2024

In Guangzhou, Sunfengren visited a sustainable workwear outsourcing project that is contributing to green transition of local industry. By renting, recycling, and reusing workwear, the project reduces waste, minimizes carbon emissions, and creates significant environmental benefits. For this trip, Sunfengren set off on his bicycle from Shuisheng Reservoir to Lindström Guangzhou Service Company, a 10-km ride along a greenway that reduced his carbon footprint by 2 kg.

Sunfengren was impressed by the  circular and low-carbon model of the workwear factory. The company’s operations in China have been embracing European green ideas—including practices, standards, policies, and technologies. For instance, the factory’s approach to maintaining, sorting, and cleaning workwear reflects Europe's circular economy principles. Sunfengren observed throughout his visit how these practices effectively reduce waste and extend the garments’ lifespan. By combining Chinese and European sustainability practices, the facility also lowers carbon emissions by using innovative new-energy vehicles, solar panels, and reclaimed water technologies.

Talking to Lindström China's managing director, Sunfengren learned how technological advancements and environmentally responsible practices—such as solar photovoltaic panels and new-energy vehicles—have made Lindström China energy-independent. These innovations have also promoted low-carbon growth throughout the industrial chain. Based on these observations, Sunfengren believes that this sustainable workwear project not only brings benefits the environment, but also enhances workers' wellbeing.

Creating a New Era in Energy: Decoding the EU-China Smart Energy Project

Location: Chengdu, Sichuan

European Union, 2024

European Union, 2024

Sunfengren visited the Tsinghua Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute in Chengdu to learn more about smart energy initiatives and how they promote efficient energy use and urban development. He cycled 9 km from Xinglong Lake Wetland Park to the Institute, reducing his carbon footprint by about 1.8 kg.

During his visit to the Institute, Sunfengren learned about the software tools developed by the Smart City Energy System Lab for analyzing and calculating carbon emissions. These tools provide strong support for low-carbon manufacturing, which contributes to integration of smart energy solutions.

Sunfengren also gained deeper insights into how smart energy projects positively impact urban life. For example, smart streetlights can reduce energy consumption and improve urban energy management by automatically adjusting their brightness based on ambient light conditions.

According to this EU-China cooperation project on smart energy systems, the key to green transition is low-carbon manufacturing and enhanced urban energy management. Under the EU-China cooperation framework, the Institute has developed equipment and collaborated on innovative initiatives in China, such as the National Carbon Emission Statistics and Analysis System. The energy routers offer greater flexibility by managing energy distribution across multiple ports, while the carbon metering system enables real-time monitoring of carbon emissions from consumer electricity use.

Sunfengren spoke with the vice president and assistant director of the Institute Lü Lanchun to learn how the project can improve city energy management and thus enhance power system security. The use of sensor technology in grid monitoring can help prevent fires in hilly areas and reduce power-related accidents. After their discussion, Sunfengren appreciated how these advancements in smart energy have not only driven technological innovation but also improved everyday life through improved operational efficiency and urban convenience.

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Through Sunfengren’s cycling tours, we learned more about the importance of EU-China cooperation on green transition, namely in the industrial and energy fields. We look forward to more sustainable ideas and inspiration from Sunfengren as his journey continues. Next week, he embarks on a new adventure – stay tuned for more of his sustainability stories!