On November 15, 2024, the China Environmental Grantmakers Alliance (CEGA) officially launched its “Selected Climate Philanthropy Impact Cases” report at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). This marks the first-ever report from CEGA on climate philanthropy impact cases to be presented at a UN Climate Change Conference, signifying an innovative and pioneering milestone. One of the standout examples in the report is the Meisha Carbon-Neutral Community Project initiated by Vanke Foundation. Located on Shenzhen’s Gold Coast, Meisha has been a model for a low-carbon living since 2021. With guidance from the government, the Foundation partnered with over 10 organizations to create a participatory, sustainable community. In 2021, Meisha became Shenzhen’s first near-zero carbon emission community, was included in the ’14th Five-Year Plan for Shenzhen’s Climate Change,’ and was featured in the 2024 Beautiful China on the Move documentary.
Results and Impact of the Project
Technological Innovation and Its Application
The Meisha Vanke Center integrates six key features: an external shading system, natural ventilation and lighting, a rooftop photovoltaic system, rainwater collection, the use of eco-friendly materials, and ecological greening of open spaces. These elements combine architecture, technology, and nature, creating the innovative concept of a ‘floating horizon, lying skyscraper.’ This design allows sea and land breezes to flow freely, minimizing local microclimate impacts and creating an open public leisure space for the community.
In 2010, the Meisha Vanke Center became the first commercial building in China to receive LEED Platinum certification. By 2024, it achieved both WELL Community and WELL Core double Platinum certification, making it the first existing community in China and one of the few worldwide to hold both LEED and WELL Platinum certifications.
In 2022, the park underwent low-carbon upgrades, including replacing air conditioning systems and tripling solar energy production. These changes improved energy efficiency to 85%, achieved 100% green electricity usage and reduced energy consumption by 60%. A zero-waste system was implemented, achieving 100% recycling of kitchen waste and cutting over 800 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Black Soldier Fly Helps to Facilitate Local Resource Utilization of Organic Waste in Community
The Vanke Public Welfare Foundation has innovatively introduced the ‘Black Soldier Fly Kitchen Waste Treatment Technology,’ which uses black soldier fly larvae to biologically process community kitchen waste (these tiny larvae can consume up to 200,000 times their weight in kitchen waste within eight days). Combined with community composting, this system improves soil quality and reduces fertilizer usage by nearly 50%. By the end of 2023, 100% of kitchen waste and 40% of green waste will be recycled locally.
In May 2023, the “Near-Zero Carbon Cycle Science Museum,” a joint initiative by the Vanke Foundation, Yantian Administration of Shenzhen Ecological Environment Bureau, Yantian District Urban Management and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau, opened in the park. The museum includes three main sections: a science popularization room, science corridor, and a demonstration area for black soldier fly waste treatment.
The demonstration area showcases a fully automated system processing3 tons of kitchen waste daily, converting it into feed and fertilizer. This process reduces annual carbon emissions by 970.5 tons, equivalent to planting over 7,000 trees.
Since its opening, the museum has attracted over 80,000 visitors, raising awareness about climate change and low-carbon lifestyles. It offers educational resources and hands-on activities, especially for youth, to promote environmental awareness and teach low-carbon living skills.
Ecological Construction and Protection
The Meisha Carbon Neutrality Community Project not only applies low-carbon technologies but also emphasizes ecological construction and protection. In collaboration with institutions like the South China Botanical Garden, Sun Yat-sen University, and Blue Web Coral Ecological Technology Co., the project has conducted research on plant and marine biodiversity as well as cultural diversity. Public education activities, including wetland restoration, community garden co-construction, and biodiversity exhibitions, have improved over 40,000 square meters of land and water. These efforts have engaged over 10,000 residents, raising awareness about urban biodiversity conservation.
Public Engagement and Education
Over the past three years, the Meisha Carbon-Neutral Community has hosted over 100 public activities, including exhibitions on climate change, sustainable fashion, and low-carbon living. These efforts have attracted diverse groups, including scholars, students, and government officials, helping to spread awareness of carbon neutrality and sustainability.
Demonstration Effect and Promotion of Practices
From the low-carbon practices at the Vanke Center Carbon-Neutral Experimental Park to the carbon-neutral development of the entire Meisha community, the project not only offers permanent residents the experience of a carbon-neutral lifestyle but also provides over 20 million visitors annually with a unique experience. The Foundation is collaborating with the Shenzhen Institute of Standards and Technology to develop ‘Guidelines for the Construction of Near-Zero Carbon Communities,’ using Meisha’s experience as a model for other carbon-neutral communities across China.
Achievements and Prospects
The Meisha Carbon Neutral Community has successfully integrated innovative low-carbon technologies and eco-friendly practices, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Key achievements include the widespread use of renewable energy and the implementation of a zero-waste system. Moving forward, the project will optimize its solutions, enhance community involvement, and continue to serve as a global model for carbon-neutral living. The Vanke Foundation will share its best practices with international partners to contribute to global climate action.
