The Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone has a green coverage rate of 49.8 percent. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

The Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone recently issued an implementation plan aiming to peak its carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, taking the lead among industrial zones.

Recognized as a national demonstration industrial zone with a healthy environment, the zone has a solid foundation for realizing this goal. There are more than 500 energy-efficient and environmental protection companies in the zone, and its green coverage rate has reached 49.8 percent.

The local government has rolled out several measures to pursue low-carbon and ecofriendly growth. It will strictly control projects that require high-energy consumption and have high emissions.

To encourage technological innovation and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the zone will hand out an "Environmental Protection Encouragement Award" and "Environmental Protection Technology Improvement Award", with a maximum award of 5 million yuan ($780,857).