What We Do
China's burgeoning economy and willingness to innovate present a tremendous opportunity for environmental change that can benefit both the Chinese people and the entire world.
From NRDC's first international office, located in Beijing, our team of experts works with Chinese government agencies, research institutes, lawyers, environmental groups, energy companies and multinational corporations to help China confront its enormous environmental challenges.
Our objective: Help China protect its environment and reduce global warming pollution while continuing to build economic prosperity. To that end, we work with Chinese partners to help them tackle climate change through energy efficiency and clean energy, strengthen environmental governance and public participation, and shift production to clean energy technologies.
NRDC is a trusted advisor to China, providing objective and science-based recommendations and willing to work in the trenches to get things done. We combine a deep understanding of China's unique situation with four decades of experience in the United States and elsewhere in the areas of energy, climate, health, market transformation and environmental law.
The challenges that China faces are serious, but the possibilities for sustainable reform are immense if we act quickly.
Here are the areas that we currently focus on:
Climate and Clean Energy
In the mid-1990s, NRDC was the first international environmental group to establish a clean energy program in China. Along with our Chinese partners, we support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution on every possible front. That includes developing concrete projects and policies that:
- Increase energy efficiency in factories and buildings.
- Promote the use of efficient and sustainable materials and technologies in new and renovated buildings.
- Support efforts to develop new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of coal, such as carbon capture and storage.
- Promote smart growth and better urban planning to reduce vehicle use.
- Foster increased cooperation between the United States and China on climate issues.
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- Energy Efficiency
- Green Buildings
- Advanced Energy Technology
- Smart Growth
- Fostering Cooperation on Climate
Environmental Governance
China is in the midst of strengthening its environmental laws, establishing a more robust enforcement system and developing the public's right to participate - all of which are critical to creating a cleaner, healthier environment. Building on four decades of experience in legal advocacy, NRDC is training, advising and cooperating with Chinese experts and decision makers to build the legal framework for stronger environmental laws and better enforcement.
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Greening the Supply Chain
China presents unique economic, social and political challenges when it comes to reducing industrial pollution. That's why NRDC has designed a pioneering approach, called the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, to target the world's fastest-growing economy. In addition to our efforts to strengthen Chinese laws and enforcement, we use the power of multinational corporations to influence the environmental practices of their Chinese suppliers, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of consumers worldwide who purchase "made-in-China" products.
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