In line with Japan's nationwide implementation of a new plastic shopping bag charging system from July 1, Japanese department stores and other operators will also implement a paper bag charging system, hoping to encourage consumers to prepare reusable environmentally friendly shopping bags. Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that well-known department store operators said that starting from July 1, they will gradually cancel the provision of plastic shopping bags in directly operated food stores and replace them with paid paper bags. The paid paper bags are thicker than the previous free paper bags, improving durability, and the outer layer is also water-repellent. The price of each bag is divided into 30 yen (about NT$8) and 50 yen depending on the size. As for clothing and grocery stores, free paper bags will continue to be provided. Department store operators expressed the hope that through such efforts, consumers can increase the number of self-prepared environmentally friendly shopping bags to about 30%. Another food retailer, which has more than 450 branches, has stopped providing free shopping bags since April and instead sells paper bags for 15 yen each, urging people to bring their own reusable shopping bags. Source: Environmental Information Center

Currently, 2,500 green building materials labels have been issued in Taiwan, and nearly 20,000 series products have been produced. In order to expand the scope of label applications, starting from July 2020, the Ministry of Interior will add 12 new items including "insulation materials for construction" The assessment benchmark will enable the production of more diversified products in the future, and encourage Chinese people to choose more high-quality building materials to jointly maintain the sustainability of the global environment. The Architectural Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior pointed out that due to the innovation of the types and functions of building materials, in order to meet the practical needs of the industry and consumers, the Architectural Research Institute integrated multiple research results and suggestions from all walks of life. This time, the application scope and standards for green building materials have been expanded, and the standards have been expanded. The application scope of this Chapter includes "High-Performance Energy-Saving Green Building Materials". The acceptance and assessment items are increased from "Energy-Saving Glass" to "Thermal Insulation Materials for Buildings", "Energy-Saving Coatings", "Glass Film Materials for Building Doors and Windows", "Thermal Insulation Exterior". 5 items including "Wall System" and "Insulated Roof System" have been significantly expanded to 6 items. In the "Recycled Green Building Materials" section, accepted projects include "asphalt paving aggregates", "lightweight aggregates for insulating concrete", "insulation materials for construction", "roof insulation bricks" and "controlled low-strength materials", etc. 5 benchmarks, and the assessment items have been expanded from 22 to 27. In addition, in line with the revision of building technical regulations, the "High Performance Soundproof Green Building Materials" has added sound insulation standards for partition walls adjacent to elevators and dynamic rigidity standards for rubber buffer materials. This revision of the green building materials assessment scope and benchmarks is the largest revision since the launch of the green building materials labeling system. The "Green Building Materials Explanation and Assessment Manual 2020 Edition" has been published, and the new benchmarks set in the manual will be published in 2

China's greenhouse gas reduction targets[1] are jointly undertaken by six major departments[2] including energy, manufacturing, transportation, housing and commerce, agriculture and the environment. This year is the final stage of the implementation of the first phase (2016 to 2020) control targets. In one year, carbon emissions are expected to be reduced by 2% compared with the base year (2005). The Environmental Protection Agency pointed out that in the second phase (2021 to 2025), carbon reduction efforts will be strengthened, with the goal of reducing 10%. The Environmental Protection Agency stated that the dialogue platform uses visual and interactive charts to explain the current greenhouse gas emission structure and implementation status of action plans in the six major departments; the platform also organizes the greenhouse gas emissions of various countries, nationally determined contributions[3], and Taiwan's relevant Compared with the carbon reduction performance of neighboring Asian countries and related website links and other information, we hope to help all walks of life further understand the overall situation of greenhouse gas management in China and other countries around the world. The Environmental Protection Agency stated that the second phase control targets (draft) are expected to be submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval in the second half of the year. The Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction of the Executive Yuan also organized an expert advisory group in April and invited six major departmental authorities to hold an expert meeting on departmental carbon reduction targets. The Environmental Protection Agency stated that the opinions collected this time will provide relevant ministries with reference for incorporating into specific action strategies in the next phase. Public hearings will also be held in the second half of this year. All sectors are welcome to put forward relevant suggestions on the department’s carbon reduction path and promotion strategic planning, so as to The reduction policy is more in line with the expectations of the Chinese people. Note 1. Greenhouse gases refer to carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),

GRI Waste Circular Economy Reveals New Business Models of Value Chain Resource Waste The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an authoritative organization for international sustainability frameworks, officially released the latest "GRI 306: Waste (2020)" on May 19 Guidelines". The content covers 2 management guidelines and 3 specific theme disclosures, emphasizing the connection between materials and waste to help organizations identify circularity, waste opportunities and further actions, and encourage organizations to assume responsibility and impact in the value chain force. This updated standard provides businesses and organizations with a clearer definition between "materials" and "waste". And, more importantly, the Code will attempt to change the way businesses and organizations understand, measure and manage waste. As global environmental awareness increases, the "circular economy" that creates new value by reusing existing or used resources is booming. Various regions or industries around the world have felt the trend of green transformation. In response to this trend, the Global Reporting Initiative GRI has released the latest version of the "GRI 306: Waste (2020) Guidelines" after releasing the Waste Management Guidelines in 2016. "GRI 306: Waste 2020" covers 2 management guidelines and 3 specific theme disclosures. The key features and benefits of this guideline update are as follows: The "GRI: 306 Waste (2020) Guidelines"