Shenzhen: Co-developing the Community Energy Action Plan Workshop

Date: 19 October 2025

Location: Vanke Center, Meisha Biosphere 3, Shenzhen

Organized by the Asian Energy Studies Centre (AESC) of Hong Kong Baptist University, the workshop aimed to bridge community visions with policy implementation, fostering dialogue among residents, academia, and government representatives to co-create a sustainable action plan for Meisha’s low-carbon transformation. The event also featured guest experts — Dr. Cheng Beibei from the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Huang Ping from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — who shared valuable insights and feedback throughout the session.

Ten households participated in the event, which was divided into two parallel sessions — one for adults and one for children. The AESC research team guided participants through a series of interactive activities designed to help residents identify opportunities for energy conservation and co-create sustainable community practices.

In the adult group, participants worked collaboratively under the theme “Designing a Community Energy Action Plan.” The process was structured into four key steps:

1. Identifying Energy Needs:

   Participants explored Meisha’s current energy use patterns and community needs, analyzing household electricity consumption, building performance, and transport energy behavior from daily-life experiences.

   
   

2. Developing Solutions:

   Residents brainstormed potential solutions and business models to address these energy needs, such as community solar-sharing initiatives, energy cooperatives, and mutual-assistance energy-saving programs.

   
   

3. Designing the “Community Energy Action Plan”:

   Groups proposed concrete, community-based low-carbon actions by integrating local characteristics, available resources, and resident participation strategies — paving the way for future pilot projects.

   
   

4. Expert Feedback and Exchange:

   Each group presented their plan in a three-minute sharing session, followed by on-site expert feedback and suggestions for refining their proposals.

In the children’s group, young participants engaged in a DIY tote bag painting activity, creatively illustrating their visions of a “low-carbon lifestyle.” Through art and play, the children expressed their understanding of environmental protection and energy conservation, linking sustainability to everyday life.