President Ma says he hopes Taiwan can continue on the path of sustainable development. Ma made the comment on Friday while receiving winners of this year’s National Golden Award for Architecture.
The president said he has been working hard to reduce Taiwan’s carbon footprint since he took office in 2008. He said over the years, his administration has completed 35 carbon-reduction projects and cut emission by 23 million tons. Ma also said that the government has already invested NT$3.2 billion (about US$100 million) in green architecture projects since 2010. These projects have reduced carbon emission by 4 million tons and also created NT$57.1 billion (US$190 million) in market value.
The president also gave tips about how to save electricity.
"We have been doing our best to conserve energy. When I’m alone in my office, I don’t use the air conditioner. I only turn it on when there’s a meeting in my office," said Ma. "By using fans instead, we can save up to 80% or 90% of the electricity. I do the same at home," he said.
Ma said that Taiwan only makes up 0.3% of the world population, but we contribute to 1% of the world’s total carbon emission. The president hopes Taiwan can work harder to meet its carbon reduction goals and continue on the path of sustainable development.