Taiwan, known as the ‘cycling capital of Asia’, is home to world-class events, impressive infrastructure and stunning natural scenery.
Taiwan may be small in size but the destination punches above its weight when it comes to attitude and effort in everything it does. A highly developed market economy, Taiwan is especially strong in advanced manufacturing, producing greater than 60% of the world’s electronic chips that power computers, cars and so much more.
Its strength in semiconductor manufacturing is, in the eyes of many, one of the most important and necessary elements for the world to move towards a fossil fuel free future. Which is why it makes sense that when it comes to sustainability, Taiwan has more than its finger on the pulse. Its government, its industry and its citizens are all focused on pushing the envelope on sustainability.
An island of green
Like its manufacturing prowess, Taiwan also boasts equally incredible natural beauty found nowhere else. More than 70% of the subtropical island is mountain forests, and its lengthy coastline teems with sea life and stunning and pristine coral reefs.
Recognising the importance of these natural assets, the Taiwanese government has been committed to protecting them for the good of the people, the country, and the planet. In 1997, Taiwan formed the National Council for Sustainable Development to implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Implementation of the UNSDGs has been swift and continues today, with clear goals and strategies that every citizen, business and investor should refer to.
Taiwan has made admirable progress in sustainability, with the National Council for Sustainable Development already established since 1997 to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Sustainable practices and initiatives abound across the island, with the eco-city of Kaohsiung in the south being a prime example. Following construction of the world’s largest solar powered sports stadium, Kaohsiung continues its focus on sustainability. The Kaohsiung City Government formulated the Green Building Autonomy Regulations, resulting in dozens of buildings being fitted with green rooftops and water retention systems.
Most recently, in 2021 Kaohsiung was honoured with the 2021 World Ports Sustainability Program Award for Resilient Physical Infrastructure.
Sustainable meetings made easy
Taiwan has already made significant progress in supporting sustainable events, with many venues embracing sustainability with great fervour.
A leader in sustainable practices is the Nangang Exhibition Hall of the Taipei World Trade Center, the first of its kind in Taiwan to receive a Green Building Award. The interior is equipped with LED energy-saving sensor lighting, and the structure has a rainwater recycling system, plus it is the first venue in Taiwan to complete greenhouse gas verification.
The award-winning Kaohsiung Exhibition Center combines state-of-the-art amenities with sustainability features for green events.The award-winning Kaohsiung Exhibition Center ranks highly in the world’s next generation of sustainable multi-use venues, receiving awards for indoor air quality, green practices, and acquiring internationally recognised certifications for sustainability.
The Taipei World Trade Center is also a sustainability champion, with its Exhibition Hall 1 being certified to ISO 50001 international standards for energy management systems, and is recognised as an environmentally friendly exhibition venue.
A popular new venue, the ICC Tainan, incorporates green energy and carbon reduction concepts, earning it both the Silver Green Building and Silver Smart Building labels.
More than 1,500 hotels in Taiwan have joined the Eco-Friendly Hotel Program, with one initiative encouraging travellers to bring their own toiletries to reduce waste. There are almost 100 ISO 14001 certified hotels throughout Taiwan that promote water, energy and waste reduction initiatives.
Sustainability-focused forums lead the way
A green energy leader, Taiwan is driving growth in renewable energy growth with wind turbines and offshore wind farms across the island.Taiwan has a strong annual calendar of ground-breaking seminars and forums focused on sustainability, demonstrating its commitment and focus on a greener future. Notable events in 2022 include:
• EU-Taiwan-Japan-Korea Offshore Wind Seminar Cooperation for Global and Regional Supply Chains discussed common challenges and opportunities for offshore wind projects in the three East Asian markets;
• International E-Waste Management Network brought together the global community to support people in governmental positions in managing e-waste, with a goal to transition to a sustainable and circular economy with electrical and electronic equipment for the future;
• Innovative Strategies for Water Sustainability International Forum was held as part of Taiwan International Water Week to discuss and develop a comprehensive water strategy to tackle the increase of extreme climate events;
• Global Offshore Wind Summit Taiwan is the official annual offshore wind event where the Taiwan government and industry officials discuss the critical challenges and opportunities facing Taiwan in the APAC wind energy sector; and
• 5th GCSF Global Corporate Sustainability Forum, which was hosted by the Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals and jointly organised by industry, government, academia and research institutes, is the largest sustainability forum in Asia.
Building a lasting legacy
With sustainability high up on the agenda, MEET TAIWAN is determined to help the business events sector build a positive legacy by offering a raft of strategies, ideas and information for planners.
MEET TAIWAN is also assisting MICE-related businesses with obtaining international certifications including but not limited to ISO 20121, Carbon Footprint Verification: PAS 2050:2011, Greenhouse Gas Inventories: ISO 14064-1, and Carbon Neutrality: PAS 2060.
In line with the UNSDGs, MEET TAIWAN is curating a series of 10 sustainably-focused bleisure itineraries for incentive travel and meeting planners who want to immerse their event attendees in unique yet socially responsible experiences while in Taiwan. These itineraries include a marine eco-tour, a mountain forest and village tour, small farmstead tour, and an industry and handcraft tour.
Most recently, MEET TAIWAN also launched Greentopia, a contest for professional event organisers throughout the world to share their ideas on running the most innovative sustainable events in Taiwan.
Looking ahead, MEET TAIWAN is currently working on a Sustainable MICE Awards programme to encourage industry players to join the organisation in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
MEET TAIWAN can provide further assistance with running sustainably-inspired meetings, exhibitions and incentive travel rewards in Taiwan.
Visit www.meettaiwan.com to begin your sustainable event journey in Taiwan today.
This article is brought to you by MEET TAIWAN