With the advent of the low-carbon era, carbon emissions can no longer be solely attributed to traditional industrial processes. Daily consumer and economic activities are tending to become key targets for examination in the global effort towards carbon reduction. The Kyoto Protocol has conducted a comprehensive study into the six main greenhouse gases (GHGs) on a list known as its greenhouse gas inventory. This information can be the basis for Taiwan‘s future efforts to cut carbon emissions. By providing systematic and professional assistance to businesses, the government can gain a comprehensive understanding of carbon-related business practices and activities to better manage and reduce the risks associated with GHG emissions.

The Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA is responsible for inspecting GHG inventories in convention centers in Taiwan. When inspections began in 2010, the Bureau started with the Taipei World Ttrade Center (TWTC) Nangang Exhibition Hall to ascertain whether its GHG inventory and certification processes were in compliance with international standards. The Taipei International Convention Center was the next to be inspected with its GHG inventory being conducted in 2011. This year, in 2013, the Bureau turned its focus for the first time south to Kaohsiung, another important harbor city for the MICE industry, with Kaohsiung International Convention Center’s GHG inventory standards being audited.

The purpose of the GHG inventories is to understand the carbon emission conditions that prevail under the different circumstances and locations of convention centers so as to gain a better understanding of energy use in their facilities and during various activities and thus better recognize carbon emissions in the various convention centers. This work helps in setting targets and determining various solutions.

The inventories of GHG emissions at convention centers are conducted with professional assistance by the Bureau, to identify sources of emissions and the emissions‘ individual values. The GHG emissions levels for a set period of time at the convention centers are then calculated, followed by energy-saving diagnosis and suggestions by experts.

During the inventory, the executive team and experts work jointly to categorize direct emissions (i.e. emissions from sources owned or controlled by the reporting entity), indirect emissions (i.e. emissions that are a consequence of energy uses in the form of electricity, thermal power, and steam power) and other indirect emissions (i.e. other emissions) in order to clarify the responsibilities of the convention centers. Meanwhile, the Bureau also assists the reporting entities in calculating their GHG emission levels by emission sources (such as stationary combustion, mobile combustion, industrial process emissions, fugitive emissions, etc.) using internationally recognized and domestically applicable approaches so as to help find technologies capable of targeting each emission source.

Past GHG inventory experiences show that public commitment and declarations by higher-level officers from the convention centers are helpful in rallying organizational support and can create a positive multiplier effect for GHG inventory work. As for the technical aspects, the convention centers are suggested to select a baseline year for comparison for future carbon reduction performance.

Results of the GHG inventory at convention centers can effectively identify the main sources of GHGs. Through methods such as facility enhancement plans and systemic integration, convention centers can lower their overall energy expenses as well as their GHG emissions. In terms of internal management, GHG inventories can help convention centers to effectively manage GHG emissions risks. In terms of external brand imaging, GHG inventories not only help demonstrate to the public the convention center‘s commitment to internationalization and sustainable development, but also contribute to the convention center’s image as an ecologically and environmentally friendly facility.