On November 11, 2014, the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting concluded with “The 22nd APEC Economic Leaders' Declaration - Beijing Agenda for an Integrated, Innovative and Interconnected Asia-Pacific” (Beijing Agenda).

 

With Tianjin University (TJU) as the key promoter, the APEC Sustainable Energy Center (APSEC) was included in the Beijing Agenda. TJU’s APEC Low Carbon Model Town Project was also included in Annex C: APEC Accord on Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth of the Beijing Agenda.

 

APSEC was established at the 11th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting on September 2, 2014. As an affiliate to the National Energy Administration, the Center is entrusted to TJU for its operation and management. As a mechanism and platform for sustainable energy development in the Asia-Pacific region, APSEC will enhance information sharing, policy exchange, joint research, demonstrations and promotion, and capacity development among APEC economies, spreading advanced ideas and mode of sustainable development throughout the region.

 

Under the leadership of the National Energy Administration, TJU’s APEC Low Carbon Model Town Project is organized by the research center for sustainable energy at TJU, the project's key promoter. This campaign covers various aspects of a city's low carbon development, including urban design, R&D of low carbon technology, low carbon team building, an index system design, and low carbon finance. The plan will gauge high quality projects proposed by local administrations and promote the development of qualified projects.

 

APSEC Director Zhu Li, a professor from the TJU School of Architecture stated that APSEC will make active contributions to sustainable Asia-Pacific development. With attributes of sustainability and practical projects, APSEC will promote technological application and strive to be complementary and interactive among APEC organizations. Additionally, APSEC will further enhance TJU’s international standing.