The State Council issued a circular on Feb 22, urging efforts to build an economic system featuring green, low-carbon and circular development, and to promote an overall green transformation of the economy and society.

By 2025, the industry, energy and transportation system will see a noticeable improvement, with the manufacturing, circulation and consumption system featuring green, low-carbon and circular development taking initial shape.

And as of 2035, the endogenous power for green development will be intensified, the scale of green industry will advance to a new level and the ecological environment will be fundamentally improved. The goal to build a beautiful China will be basically achieved, the circular said.

In terms of building a green manufacturing system, the circular set targets in many sectors, including industry, agriculture, services, environmental protection, industrial parks, and cluster and supply chains.

For example, green reforms should be obtained in industries, including steel, petrochemical, chemical, nonferrous metal, building materials, textile, papermaking, leather, and others, the circular said. And all-out efforts should be made to develop the remanufacturing industry and clean production.

Also, work should be done to develop ecological circular agriculture, strengthen farmland protection and promote saving water in agriculture.

The circular called for efforts to develop green logistics, encourage reusing renewable resources, build a green trading system, promote consumption of green products and advocate a low-carbon lifestyle.

For example, green and low-carbon vehicles using new energy or clean energy should be promoted. Logistics enterprises are encouraged to establish digital operating platforms, and develop smart warehousing and transporting.

Accelerated efforts should be made to build a waste recycling system for renewable resources, such as waste paper, plastics, tires, metals and glass.

A green and low-carbon lifestyle will be advocated around the country by practicing thrift and reducing food waste. Domestic waste classification will be further implemented. The transportation system will be more intelligent to guide more people into green travel.

The green, low-carbon transformation also should be stepped up in China’s energy system. Work should be done to raise the utilization ratio of renewable resources and develop wind power and photovoltaic power. Also, rural power grids should be upgraded, and construction and interconnection of natural gas infrastructure should be sped up.

According to the circular, the urban and rural living environment will be improved. In urban areas, green residential communities and buildings will be built, while in rural areas work in clean heating and dilapidated housing rehabilitation will continue.

The circular also called on efforts to develop green, low-carbon technologies and accelerate the application of sci-tech outcomes.

Fiscal funds and national budget investment should be used to support environmental infrastructure, green, environmental protection industries, efficient utilization of energy, and resources recycling. Also, green financing, including loans, direct financing and insurance, should be developed.

The circular also said China will intensify international cooperation in sectors like energy saving and green energy. It will require more international exchanges in policy technology, green projects and talent training.

China will actively participate in and lead global climate governance, improve its capability of promoting green, low-carbon and circular development, and contribute to building a community of a shared future for mankind, the circular said.