Kaohsiung City
Net Zero | 2024 Kaohsiung City Voluntary Local Review
Insights of the Report
Kaohsiung, once an industrial hub centered on petrochemicals and manufacturing, is transforming into a smart city focused on 5G and AIoT while pursuing a sustainable net-zero goal. Despite contributing nearly one-fifth of Taiwan’s total carbon emissions, the city sees net zero as both a challenge and an opportunity for industrial transformation and carbon reduction.
Since 2018, Kaohsiung has implemented the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, achieving a 20.8% emission reduction by 2022 compared to 2005 levels. This progress aligns with the Kaohsiung City Self-Government Ordinance for the Development of a Net-Zero City, which targets a 30% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
To drive its net-zero agenda, Kaohsiung established the Committee for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Response in 2023, coordinating efforts across departments. Key initiatives include the four-year Net-Zero Policy White Paper, a biannual carbon budget, and Net-Zero Sustainability Reports, ensuring carbon reduction is integrated into municipal policies.
Kaohsiung actively promotes sustainability through initiatives like the Industrial Net-Zero Alliance, the Net Zero Institute for cultivating green talent, and the Kaohsiung Carbon Platform to facilitate business partnerships and voluntary carbon reduction efforts. Public participation is encouraged via programs such as the MeNGO Transit Initiative and the Kaohsiung House Design and Rewards Program, fostering a citywide commitment to sustainability.
The city’s efforts have gained national and international recognition, including the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards (APSAA) and the National Sustainable Development Award for innovative renewable energy projects.
Kaohsiung remains committed to balancing economic growth, environmental protection and social well-being, integrating sustainability into daily life, and building an innovative, livable, happy and vibrant city.
Issued: December 20242,737,941 (2023)
2,952.1226 ㎢ (2023)
927 per km² (2023)
Local (city, town, village, etc)
50.69 Million ton CO2e (2023)
18.51
1.17 Million ton CO2e (2023)
Local (ex. city, town, village, etc)
TWD173.6 billion / USD 5.65 billion (FY2023)
City Profile
Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern metropolis where technology and culture intersect, is dedicated to balancing net-zero goals and economic growth. Guided by the core principles of "Technology, Livability, Happiness, and Charm," the city aligns its development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote inclusive growth and long-term sustainability. With a steady commitment to the vision of an "Equitable City and Inclusive Society," Kaohsiung strives to create a better living environment for its citizens. The city is turning the concept of "sustainable and inclusive" into reality through concrete actions, shaping a livable and dynamic smart city.
The Report and more
The VLR report is available here:
2021 Kaohsiung City Voluntary Local Review
2022 Kaohsiung City Voluntary Local Review
2023 Kaohsiung City Voluntary Local Review
Net Zero | 2024 Kaohsiung City Voluntary Local Review