https://spc.jst.go.jp/news/250602/topic_5_04.html
In 2023, Wuhan City has launched a service platform which rewards citizens on their “Carbon Account.” For example, points are awarded for each ride on a bus, a subway or a bicycle, and low-carbon lifestyle is converted to credit points which are added to a “Carbon Account” QR code on the individual’s mobile phone. When a certain number of points are reached, they can be exchanged for various things such as coupons or credits using this QR code.
The following examples are provided:
- a convenience store exchanged 2,000 carbon points for a 50% discount coupon for breakfast.
- a local bank honoured the cumulative savings of 45,000 grams of CO2 by an offset of 90 ¥ (about 1 €) in a mortgage interest
- credit points can be earned by buying a used instead of a new smartphone,
- when using delivery services, the option “no chopsticks required” brings additional credit points
By keeping a careful record of the eco-actions that citizens take on a daily basis, and by steadily accumulating these, they can accumulate points that can be exchanged for rewards. This makes the abstract concept of environmental protection visible, encouraging citizens to continue to participate in a low-carbon lifestyle. As a typical reaction goes: “If I reduce 1,000 grams, I can pay back 2 yuan in interest. It’s not a lot, but I feel like I’m getting a good deal when I ride a bike or take the subway, and I’m very happy.”
An interesting concept which is definitely not compatible with GDPR.
