The State Council has approved establishing a national sustainable development innovation demonstration zone in Taiyuan, capital city of North China’s Shanxi province, according to a circular released on Feb 24.

The demonstration zone should be established based on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and China’s national plan of implementation, according to the circular.

Targeting problems in air and water pollution, the zone is required to make innovative solutions to create a replicable model and set an example for resource-based regions in the course of transformation and upgrading.

According to the circular, Taiyuan was urged to integrate technologies in sewage treatment, water system restoration, clean energy and building energy conservation, and to carry out projects in water conservation and restoration, and upgrading energy consumption.

The Ministry of Science and Technology and related departments should offer support to the city, and help solve key issues, the circular stated.