The Paulson Institute, in partnership with Tsinghua University, announced the winner of the 2019 Paulson Prize for Sustainability on Nov. 22 in Beijing.

The prestigious annual award went to Shenzhen Ecological Energy Park in Shenzhen, Guangdong province for its work in waste-to-energy efforts.

This is an industry-leading facility that uses advanced technologies to lower harmful emissions and eliminate the need to use fossil fuels for power generation by turning waste directly into electricity. To date the project has saved more than 360,000 tons of standard coal.

"This project is an inspired solution reducing environmental pollution and promoting clean energy development," said Henry M. Paulson Jr, chairman and founder of the Paulson Institute. "The Shenzhen Ecological Park exemplifies why we created the Paulson Prize for Sustainability. Its innovative waste-to-energy concept will make a big difference and merits both attention and replication."

The Energy Park is an attractive, ultra-modern facility serving the community in a variety of ways. With beautifully landscaped grounds, engaging public education space, and a visitor center for eco-tours, it has become a gathering place for the community.

Xue Qikun, vice president of Tsinghua University, said: "Projects winning the Paulson Prize demonstrate the courage and wisdom of Chinese cities and companies to incorporate sustainability in business with innovative ideas, advanced technologies, unremitting exploration and positive actions.

"Tsinghua University, as the co-host of the Paulson Prize, encourages more Chinese cities and companies to scale up their demonstration projects into practice to promote sustainable development in China."

Launched in 2013, the Paulson Prize is awarded annually to a project in China that provides an innovative, scalable, and market-based solution at the intersection of economics and the environment. Evaluated by an independent jury committee, chaired by former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, the Prize aims to support China's transition to a low carbon economy.

China, as the largest carbon emitter in the world, can serve as a model for other countries seeking solutions to promote economic growth while being conscious of protecting the environment.

There were a record number of submissions this time, double the level of last year. The increase reflects growing awareness of the Paulson Prize as well as China's increased focus on sustainable growth and urbanization.

Two other projects were nominated, coming from Guangzhou and Ordos, Inner Mongolia and recognized during the ceremony for providing cutting edge, innovative, market-based solutions to promote low carbon growth in China.

The Paulson Institute is a non-partisan, independent "think and do tank" dedicated to fostering a U.S.-China relationship that serves to maintain global order in a rapidly evolving world.

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