China

China is home to about one-fifth of the global population and has become the world's second largest economy after years of rapid development. The size of its population and the scale of its economy make China’s sustainability challenges globally relevant. The country’s economy continues to grow and urbanization accelerates, yet at the same time challenges remain around air pollution, water and soils, biodiversity loss, and climate crises. Access to clean and efficient energy, reducing carbon emissions, creating a circular economy and sustainable agriculture remain urgent priorities. China’s energy system and built environment will also undergo major transformations in the decade ahead.

As the second-largest economy in the world, China benefits from its demographic dividend that supplies a large, young workforce. In the decade ahead, China’s middle class will continue to expand, representing an estimated USD $14.3 trillion growth opportunity for businesses. By 2030, China will account for nearly a quarter of the world’s energy demand. The country is also accelerating infrastructure investment for its post COVID-19 recovery. Labor-intensive green investments will offer additional employment opportunities for the workers. China’s domestic stimulus package also helps accelerate the greening of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), by promoting clean energy projects, minimizing the environmental impact of infrastructure, and protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The China office supports WBCSD members through projects and networks in the country. We collaborate extensively with the Chinese government and other stakeholders to leverage local expertise and understand the specificities of the Chinese market, political and regulatory conditions and corporate priorities. The aim is to widen the scope of our global programs and to work towards initiatives that are effective in the Chinese context.

Low Emissions Economy Partnership (LEEP) Xiong’an, WBCSD’s local project on Cities & Mobility, is run from the China office. LEEP Xiong’an is co-developing solutions for a net zero carbon energy system and water efficiency (50L Home proof-of-concept) in Xiong’an New Area to become a new blueprint for sustainable urbanization in China.

Since 2003, WBCSD China has worked closely with our Global Network partner China BCSD (CBCSD) and the SASAC of the State Council. We also cooperate with various institutions and stakeholders, including CCICED and BRIGC.