Key Objectives

The core objectives outlined in the work plan provide a clear and ambitious vision.

• By 2025, China aims to establish a robust carbon emissions reporting system at both national and provincial levels. This will include the development of industry-specific carbon accounting standards, product-level carbon footprint guidelines, and a national greenhouse gas emission factor database.
• By 2030, a fully operational, systematic carbon accounting framework will enable comprehensive tracking and management of emissions across all sectors, meeting the data needs of every industry and government body involved.

This work plan positions China to significantly improve its carbon management capabilities, making strides toward its net-zero goals and aligning with international best practices in environmental governance.

Strategic Pillars of the Work Plan

The work plan is grounded in eight critical areas of focus, each reinforcing the others to create a cohesive and functional carbon emissions accounting system.

Regional Carbon Emissions Accounting

A national and provincial reporting system will be the foundation of China’s carbon emissions strategy. This includes annual and expedited reporting structures, enhancing data transparency and timeliness. By aligning provincial carbon data collection with international standards, China aims to produce comparable, high-quality datasets that support both national and international reporting requirements.

Industry-Specific Carbon Accounting

High-emission industries such as power generation, steel, cement, and chemicals are the primary focus areas. Carbon emissions within these industries will be meticulously tracked, leveraging both energy usage data and carbon trading markets to create detailed, sector-specific carbon profiles. This will facilitate targeted interventions and foster transparency in carbon-intensive sectors.

Enterprise-Level Emissions Monitoring

Enterprise-level guidelines will establish rigorous carbon accounting protocols tailored to high-emission businesses. These standards will support accurate measurement, reporting, and verification processes, with a focus on indirect emissions (like non-fossil electricity) and emerging technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).

Project Emission Impact Evaluation

The plan introduces a life-cycle-based carbon accounting standard for major investment projects. This will ensure that infrastructure projects across industries meet emissions benchmarks from design through operation, setting the stage for sustainable long-term investments.

Product Carbon Footprint Standards

A pivotal innovation within this plan is the development of a product-level carbon footprint standard, setting quantitative requirements for environmental impact reporting. Through comprehensive carbon labeling and certification, consumers and businesses alike will gain transparency in product-related emissions, supporting informed purchasing and investment decisions.

National Greenhouse Gas Emission Factor Database

At the heart of precise carbon accounting is accurate data. This national database will serve as a central repository of emission factors for major energy types and key products, supporting standardized accounting practices across industries. The emission factor database will play a crucial role in benchmarking and verification processes.

Adoption of Advanced Technology

China plans to harness big data, satellite monitoring, and integrated observation networks to track emissions in real-time. Enhanced data accuracy will empower businesses and policymakers with predictive analytics to meet emissions targets efficiently.

International Collaboration and Compliance

Recognizing the global nature of carbon accounting, China’s work plan emphasizes international cooperation. By aligning with major trading partners on emission standards and sharing methodologies, China is set to play an influential role in the global decarbonization movement.

Organizational Framework for Effective Implementation

To realize these ambitious goals, the plan calls for cross-departmental collaboration among the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and other key agencies. A strong governance structure will oversee data management, coordinate policy development, and drive regional accountability. In turn, data integration across regions and industries will ensure that China’s carbon accounting system is comprehensive, transparent, and future-ready.

What This Means for Business and Investment

The work plan signals China’s determination to place environmental stewardship at the forefront of its economic strategy. For businesses, this means a new era of transparency and accountability. Companies operating within China will need to adhere to rigorous carbon accounting standards, providing both challenges and opportunities. Enhanced data availability can aid corporate sustainability efforts, aligning with global ESG goals and catering to the rising demand for sustainable practices among international investors.

For investors, this plan offers clear evidence of China’s commitment to a greener economy. Reliable, consistent carbon data can help investors assess portfolio risks associated with climate change and make informed decisions. As China’s carbon footprint accounting system evolves, it will open doors for green finance, low-carbon innovations, and business models focused on sustainability.

Conclusion

China’s work plan for carbon emissions statistical accounting is a landmark strategy in its journey toward sustainability. By setting rigorous standards, creating transparent reporting structures, and committing to international cooperation, China is laying the groundwork for a data-driven, accountable carbon economy. This transformative approach not only aligns with global carbon reduction efforts but also strengthens China’s position in the competitive global economy, paving the way for a sustainable future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.