China looks  determined to take the challenge of sustainable growth by the horns. It has its tasks  for itself clearly set out for the next five years. It is going to work towards achieving low carbon energy targets. Energy efficiency and clean technology are going to be the watchwords for policy-makers. The 12th Five Year Plan (2011-2015) documents spell that out. It is a clear indication of the Chinese focus towards balancing growth with environmental sustainability instead of maximizing economic growth alone.

A panel set up by the State Council, China’s Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chinese premier Wen Jiabao decided on a cap of 4.1bn tonnes of coal equivalent of energy by 2015. Though it looks to be quite ambitious, China looks set on achieving it. Last year China announced its National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) in pursuit of this goal. It’s going to be fully adopted later this year. It consists of a program for five provinces and eight cities. These provinces and cities would be developed as low carbon emitting places. This step would be followed by the laying of groundwork for assessing, planning and managing carbon emissions effectively.

Industry and society are expected to follow some guidelines provided by the commission. While the acceptable level of emissions were not decided, reports say that officials have now agreed upon its level. The world never was in doubt about China’s resolve to rein in its emission record. After all, this superpower  has successfully developed the largest wind power capacity in the world, became the biggest manufacturer of solar panels and developed a big and kicking market for electric vehicles in the last five years.

In order to meet the new standards, China has already put in place a Low Carbon Accounting, Management and Credit System (LCAMC). That helps in planning and managing harmful emissions. It means an all-round carbon accounting system within the chosen five provinces and eight cities for experimenting with the pilot project. A need for the right strategic management systems, including performance measures for government at national, regional and local levels has been recognised.

China itself intends to go for emissions trading schemes over the next five years under a global carbon credit regime that could provide verifiable carbon emission reduction credits for nations which export renewable energy products.

This could possibly earn financial credit for these nations. Climate policy experts point out that earning an emissions number or trade energy credits could  mean a lot of different options. China is serious about it. New carbon intensity targets have been set in relation to GDP. Reports indicate that China is now trying to cut emissions growth relative to its Gross Domestic Product by 17 percent. It also aims to improve energy intensity by 16 percent. If successfully implemented in the years ahead, many countries will be looking to China for inspiration on how this can be achieved. The Asian giant would lead the way to deliver low carbon growth.

About the author: Alia Haley is a writer who is an ardent follower of green lifestyle. She is a firm supporter of green architecture and her entire house is ecofriendly right from the exteriors to interiors.