Pioneering a sustainable future: Tzu Chi’s net zero commitment in Taiwan

The global imperative for sustainability has never been more urgent. As nations and organizations worldwide grapple with climate change, the call for “net zero emissions” by 2050 has become a guiding principle. Taiwan, an export-oriented economy, faces unique challenges and opportunities in this transition. Amidst this landscape, Tzu Chi Foundation has proactively embraced this ambitious goal, integrating environmental stewardship into its diverse missions, from charity and healthcare to education and humanistic culture. This commitment reflects a deep understanding that the well-being of humanity is inextricably linked to the health of our planet.

A foundation for sustainability

While non-profit organizations generally have a smaller carbon footprint compared to industrial sectors, Tzu Chi Foundation has taken a leading role in addressing its environmental impact. In 2021, Po-Wen Yen (顏博文), CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, announced a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making Tzu Chi one of the first non-profits in Taiwan to do so. This commitment includes a scientific-based approach, aiming for zero growth in carbon emissions, a 50% reduction by 2040, and net-zero by 2050.

The initial step involved a comprehensive carbon inventory of ten major Tzu Chi offices in 2022, using 2023 as the baseline year. The findings, released in 2024, confirmed that purchased electricity was the largest source of emissions, with air conditioning being the primary consumer. This presented a challenge: how to balance the need for comfortable spaces for public service with energy conservation.

Chien-Chung Chang (張建中), Director of the Eastern General Affairs Office at Tzu Chi Foundation, explained some of the adjustments made. “We used to turn on the air conditioning early to cool the space. Now, if the weather isn’t extremely hot, we might turn it on at 8:30 AM and off by 5:30 PM, saving a significant amount of electricity over just one hour.” Similar principles apply to water dispensers, which are now set to automatically power off after hours, ensuring hygiene while conserving energy.

Beyond adjusting usage patterns, Tzu Chi is replacing old, energy-intensive equipment with more efficient models and exploring renewable energy. Shih-Ju Tseng (曾詩茹), Senior Specialist in Tzu Chi Foundation’s Sustainable Development Group, noted that Tzu Chi has installed 32 solar photovoltaic systems across its offices in Taiwan and obtained 16 renewable energy certificates. The green electricity generated is used on-site. Furthermore, Tzu Chi is establishing climate risk assessment mechanisms, guided by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), to prepare for potential impacts of rising temperatures, droughts, typhoons, and heavy rainfall. “It’s about financial preparedness for climate change,” Tseng explained.

Just as you’d prepare flood defenses if you anticipate heavy storms, we must foresee problems and make preparations, which is the essence of TCFD.— Shih-Ju Tseng, Tzu Chi Foundation

Healing people, healing the planet

Healthcare facilities are significant energy consumers, with medical electricity usage in Taiwan ranking highest among non-productive sectors. While saving lives remains paramount, the environmental impact of medical operations cannot be ignored, especially as climate change exacerbates health crises.

In response to new government regulations, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, which was upgraded to a medical center in 2024, has been at the forefront of green initiatives. Rong-Yuan Shyu (徐榮源), Vice Superintendent and Chief Sustainability Officer of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, stated, “We established a Net Zero Carbon Emissions Committee in April 2023, obtained ISO 50001 certification in December 2024, and ISO 14064-1 certification in July this year.” He emphasized that net-zero emissions are a key policy for all four major Tzu Chi hospitals—Hualien, Taipei, Taichung, and Dalin—which have already been conducting greenhouse gas inventories and implementing improvements.

At Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, nearly 70% of carbon emissions come from electricity consumption, primarily from air conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, and medical equipment. Replacing over 8,000 light fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs, for instance, could save 1,900 kilowatt-hours daily, equivalent to a month’s electricity for five to six households and nearly a ton of carbon dioxide emissions. To tackle the largest energy consumer, air conditioning, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital plans to integrate low-temperature air from heat pump systems into operating rooms to reduce cooling demand.

Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, located in a rural area, incorporated environmental design from its inception. Its buildings feature natural ventilation and lighting, and rooftop gardens provide insulation. Over a decade ago, it pioneered the use of heat pump systems for hot water, significantly reducing fossil fuel emissions. More recently, the hospital upgraded to magnetic-bearing chillers, drastically cutting air conditioning energy consumption. Ching-Sen Chen (陳敬森), head of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital’s Sustainable Development Group, affirmed, “Our entire hospital has a strong consensus on energy conservation and carbon reduction. We will continue to strengthen green living, circular economy, and green procurement.”

Even in remote areas, Tzu Chi hospitals are innovating. Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and the smaller Yuli and Guanshan Tzu Chi Hospitals are optimizing remote medical services, integrating AI into their systems. Chen-Yu Lan (藍陳淯), Senior Specialist in Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital’s Sustainable Development Office, explained the impact: “Previously, X-ray vehicles would go to remote areas, take images, and bring them back to the hospital. Patients would wait seven or eight days for results. Now, images are transmitted instantly, AI provides preliminary diagnoses, and doctors confirm and send back results within an hour.” This digital approach saves patients travel time and reduces waste by minimizing paper and film usage.

Cultivating green minds and spaces

Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture mission also champions sustainability. The Guandu Jing Si Hall, home to Tzu Chi’s media operations, earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Its expansive rooftop is equipped with solar panels, connected to the grid to support power supply when needed. A pond between the old and new buildings serves for water storage and fire suppression, while a hidden rainwater harvesting system significantly reduces tap water consumption, irrigating the herbal gardens and landscaping. The facility also prioritizes light pollution prevention, with shielded outdoor lights and minimal ground lighting at night, conserving energy and allowing local wildlife to rest undisturbed.

In education, Tzu Chi University is addressing Taiwan’s urgent need for “green collar talent.” Following its merger last year, the university has become a key partner in the Ministry of Environment’s “Net Zero Green Collar Talent Cultivation Alliance.” This program offers training for professionals and students in carbon inventory, carbon footprint analysis, reduction, and management.

Professor Yun-Chih Chiang (江允智), Director of Tzu Chi University’s Sustainable Development Office, noted that Tzu Chi University, as the lead institution for eastern Taiwan and outlying islands, collaborates with other universities to offer specialized courses. The “Voluntary Reduction Project” course, for example, helps businesses effectively reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits. “Tzu Chi Charity Foundation staff attend our classes to learn and discuss future reduction plans,” Chiang said, highlighting the collaborative spirit.

A collective effort for a shared future

From its charity offices to its hospitals and educational institutions, Tzu Chi is actively working towards the 2050 net-zero emissions goal. These efforts, though challenging, demonstrate a profound commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. By integrating green practices into every aspect of its work, Tzu Chi aims to inspire broader societal change, fostering a future where humanity and nature can thrive in harmony.

Written by Tzu-Hao Yeh (葉子豪)