Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Carbon Footprint Professional Committee marks a significant transition in China's carbon footprint management from fragmented exploration to systematic collaboration, aiming to create a high-quality, reliable carbon footprint management system that aligns with international standards [2][3][4]. Group 1: Organizational Foundation - The Carbon Footprint Professional Committee was formed in response to the deepening global climate governance and China's dual carbon goals, focusing on building a self-controlled carbon footprint management system [3]. - The committee received 413 applications from various sectors, ultimately integrating nearly 300 experts and over 100 member units from renowned universities, research institutions, and leading enterprises [3]. - The committee's leadership includes Xia Zuyi as the first chairman and secretary-general, and Chen Sheng as the executive director, along with 53 executive committee members and 9 vice chairpersons [3]. Group 2: Management System Development - The committee aims to support the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's carbon footprint management work, establish a group standard system, and enhance data quality for credible carbon footprint data [4]. - A phased target has been set for the establishment of the carbon footprint management system, with initial completion expected by early 2027 and further improvements by 2030 [6]. - The current challenges include data traceability, transparency, and quality, with over 1,100 carbon footprint standards already published, leading to a "one product, one standard" situation [6][7]. Group 3: Implementation and Practical Applications - The committee has established a "1+6" work system focusing on standard systems, data quality, and international recognition, while promoting research, international trade standards, database construction, and talent development [7]. - Various carbon footprint databases have emerged, such as the "Tiangong Database" developed by Tsinghua University, which covers over 1,200 products and has attracted visitors from 88 countries since its launch [8]. - Local initiatives, such as the Jiangsu Green Low-Carbon Service Industry Cluster, are providing practical examples of carbon footprint management, including training programs and collaborations with major companies like Mengniu Group [9].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Carbon Footprint Alliance marks a significant step towards promoting low-carbon transformation and building a green ecological bay area, aligning with various regional policies and development plans [1]. Group 1: Alliance Formation - The alliance was formed as a key action to implement the "Guangdong Province's Pilot Construction Plan for Product Carbon Footprint Certification" and the "Guangdong Province's Carbon Footprint Management System Construction Work Plan" [1]. - The alliance is led by the Guangdong Low Carbon Development Promotion Association and includes technical service institutions, industry associations, and key enterprises from the three regions [1]. - The alliance aims to establish a carbon footprint management system for key products and enhance the supply capacity of green low-carbon products and services [1]. Group 2: Objectives and Mechanisms - The alliance will promote international cooperation on carbon footprint recognition and accelerate the formation of beneficial experiences and institutional results [1]. - A regular communication mechanism will be established to facilitate the co-construction and mutual recognition of carbon footprint standards, update rules, and conduct capacity building [1]. - The first batch of alliance members includes over 60 institutions and enterprises from the Greater Bay Area, with plans to expand participation and deepen regional green low-carbon cooperation [1].

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong Province is actively developing a carbon footprint management system to promote green and low-carbon transformation among enterprises, aiming for high-quality development and compliance with international green trade rules [1][3][5]. Group 1: Carbon Footprint Management System Development - Guangdong has established the "Guangdong Carbon Label" and issued 146 certificates to 128 enterprises across 24 product categories by September 2023 [1]. - The "Work Plan" aims to complete carbon footprint assessments for around 200 products by 2027 and 500 products by 2030, with a focus on building a product carbon footprint factor database [2]. - The plan includes 17 key tasks across four areas: management system construction, application promotion, cross-border cooperation, and capacity building [2]. Group 2: Financial and Government Support - The province will enhance financial support for enterprises, using carbon footprint as a key metric in financing processes [2]. - Government and state-owned enterprises are encouraged to increase procurement of low-carbon products, promoting their application [2][4]. Group 3: International Cooperation and Standards - Guangdong is exploring cross-border mutual recognition of carbon footprints with Hong Kong and aims to establish a carbon footprint alliance in the Greater Bay Area [6]. - The province is working on aligning its carbon footprint accounting standards with international norms to improve the competitiveness of export products [5]. Group 4: Green Transformation and Public Engagement - The "Work Plan" emphasizes a lifecycle approach to carbon footprint management, aiming to enhance the green competitiveness of export products and support the "dual carbon" goals [4]. - Initiatives will encourage public engagement in low-carbon consumption, creating a positive cycle of green production and consumption [4].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a product carbon footprint grading management system is crucial for China's carbon footprint management framework, aimed at evaluating and categorizing product carbon emissions to promote reductions in carbon footprints [1] Domestic and International Carbon Footprint Management Policies - Major countries and regions are implementing diverse carbon footprint grading policies to drive green and low-carbon transitions, with the EU mandating lifecycle grading for batteries under the new battery law [2] - The US employs a Climate Conscious labeling system to guide low-carbon consumption, categorizing products into gold, silver, and bronze based on their total lifecycle carbon emissions [2] - France requires environmental labels to display carbon footprint scores for textiles, with a grading system from A to E [2] - China, the US, and Singapore are leading in carbon footprint grading management in the automotive sector, with China establishing standards for battery emissions [3] - Other countries like South Korea and Thailand are also developing carbon footprint grading systems for various products [3] Challenges in Establishing China's Product Carbon Footprint Grading Management System - There is a lack of a unified and comprehensive management mechanism in China, with current efforts being limited and lacking systematic design compared to developed countries [4] - The foundation for accounting standards and factor data is weak, with many product categories lacking established carbon footprint factors [4][5] - Market participation is uneven, with insufficient incentives for companies to engage in carbon footprint grading, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises [5] - There is a shortage of technology and talent in carbon footprint accounting, with existing tools not meeting market demands [5] Recommendations for Accelerating the Establishment of China's Product Carbon Footprint Grading Management System - A top-level institutional framework should be established to enhance the grading management policies, setting clear goals and implementation paths [6] - A robust standard and factor data foundation should be developed, creating a comprehensive carbon footprint accounting standard system [6][7] - An incentive and constraint market mechanism should be constructed, linking carbon footprint grades to market access and providing financial incentives for low-carbon products [7] - International recognition should be promoted to enhance China's influence in carbon footprint management, tracking global trends and engaging in international cooperation [7]