On 17 November, SESEC hosted its second roundtable of 2023, centered on the theme of sustainability. The primary objective of the roundtable, which was organized in hybrid format, was to increase the awareness and understanding of recent developments in sustainability policies, regulations, standards, and good practices. Approximately 30 researchers and standardization experts from EU and US industries and Chinese research institutes attended. Together, they engaged in a robust discussion, sharing their knowledge and expertise across a broad range of topics within the realm of sustainability.

Professor Yu Jiang, a distinguished researcher from the Institute of Science and Development at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared valuable insights into the underlying principles of China’s recent innovation and cooperation policies. Emphasizing the continued prioritization of EU-China cooperation on the government’s agenda, Professor Yu provided a comprehensive perspective on the policy dynamics shaping collaboration between the two entities.

Dr. Betty Xu, SESEC expert, offered an up-to-date overview of the latest advancements in the EU’s eco-design standardization, highlighting its crucial role in supporting EU regulations. The presentation particularly showcased the ongoing efforts in the EU to align regulations and standards with sustainable design principles.

Mr. Liu Shijie, a senior zero-carbon business analyst at Envision Group, enriched the discussion with a presentation on the firm’s strategy and case studies in carbon footprint calculation and audit. This contribution provided valuable insights into China’s effective practices for measuring and reducing carbon footprints.

Dr. Meng Fanjing, the Chief Technology Officer of IBM China Systems Lab, took the stage to showcase the company’s practices in sustainable computing. His presentation delved into the innovative approaches adopted by IBM to minimize the environmental impact of computing technologies.

The roundtable served as a vibrant platform for sharing and exchanging ideas and knowledge, exemplifying SESEC’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between EU and Chinese stakeholders. The diverse range of topics covered and the active participation of experts underscore the importance of such an initiative in advancing sustainable practices and building bridges among global stakeholders. The event also demonstrated SESEC’s pivotal role as a facilitator of informed dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of shared sustainability goals.