The "zero energy emissions and zero carbon" building in the eco-city. [Photo provided to CHINA DAILY]

A 135-square-meter "zero energy emissions and zero carbon" building in the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City made headlines in domestic media outlets recently.

The innovative space, a collaborative research project by State Grid Tianjin Electric Power Co, is fitted with 60 solar panels capable of generating over 20,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

This translates to saving approximately 8 metric tons of standard coal per year or reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by around 20 tons.

The building features a 40-kWh energy storage battery that, in energy-saving mode, can sustain the building's energy requirements for nearly two days.

Intelligent energy control facilitated by the energy router in the building allows for efficient energy transmission between the grid, solar panels, energy storage and household appliances.

This pioneering space is just one example of the eco-friendly initiatives in the eco-city.

The modern grid infrastructure has expanded the reach of green electricity, showcasing an array of solar-powered amenities like street lights, benches, roads and trash cans.

Within this eco-conscious community, residents can relax on energy-efficient benches that can wirelessly charge their phones simply by placing them down.

Liu Shuyu, director of the power supply center in the eco-city of State Grid Tianjin's Binhai branch, said, "Projects and technologies in the eco-city are benefiting everyone, especially with regard to solar power utilization."

The eco-city is a major cooperation project between China and Singapore. The two countries are collaborating to advance green technologies, equipment, services, infrastructure and green financing initiatives.

One company operating in the eco-city, Innova Green, exemplifies this bilateral effort by incorporating various green and low-carbon technologies such as renewable energy sources, smart energy management systems, visual displays and vertical greening, according to its developer Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city Investment and Development Co.

The sustainable structures and developments illustrate a forward-looking urban renewal model not only in Tianjin but throughout China.

They also shed light on the reasons why the newly established China Resources Recycling Group Co has chosen the eco-city as its headquarters.

Wang Guoliang, director of the administrative committee of the eco-city, said: "The eco-city has had environmentally conscious roots since its establishment in 2008. Plans to elevate the eco-city to a national model zone for green development, approved by the State Council last August, outline standards and steps toward achieving an internationally pioneering status in green development.

"With the integration of a new State-owned enterprise within the eco-city, it's our commitment to supporting technological research, application and knowledge transfer. Leveraging this partnership, the eco-city aims to lead the nation in green, low-carbon development initiatives," he said.