New Taipei City, with its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture, has been at the forefront of fostering community engagement and sustainable development. Several initiatives have been instrumental in strengthening the bonds among residents and promoting a greener lifestyle.
Open Living Lab: A Hub for Community Activities
Located in the heart of New Taipei, the Open Living Lab serves as a communal space where residents can gather, share ideas, and participate in various activities. Emphasizing the concept of ‘sharing,’ this free-to-use space has hosted nearly 2,000 events, drawing tens of thousands of participants. It has become a central hub for community interaction, allowing citizens to explore endless possibilities within the space and with each other.
Energy-Saving E-House Program: Towards a Greener Future
In 2022, New Taipei City launched the Energy-Saving E-House program, marking Taiwan’s first housing energy-saving initiative that actively involves private stakeholders from the real estate sector alongside local communities. The program aims to gradually improve the energy efficiency of existing residential buildings by promoting energy efficiency disclosure, integrating technical support and subsidies, and encouraging both community-level and household-level energy-saving behavior. By partnering with 15 real estate agencies, the program highlights energy-efficient communities on public housing platforms, enhancing market transparency and supporting informed consumer choice of energy-efficient housing.
NewTaiPAY: Integrating Technology with Sustainability
Embracing the digital age, New Taipei City introduced NewTaiPAY, an innovative mobile payment tool that integrates sustainable carbon reduction and public welfare at its core. The app not only facilitates seamless transactions but also encourages citizens to participate in carbon reduction activities. Features like carbon footprint calculation services and smart recycling machine locations promote environmental consciousness among residents. By offering rewards in the form of New Taipei Dollars for eco-friendly actions, the city is effectively combining technology with sustainability efforts.
Building Dementia-Friendly Communities
Recognizing the challenges posed by an aging population, New Taipei City has been proactive in creating dementia-friendly communities. With nearly 20% of its population being seniors and an estimated 57,000 affected by dementia, the city has established numerous dementia care centers and partnered with local groups to bring performances and activities to seniors. These initiatives aim to slow the onset of dementia and physical disability, ensuring that the elderly remain active and engaged within the community.
Empowering Youth in the AI Era
Understanding the rapid advancements in technology, New Taipei City has adjusted its policies for young adults, shifting from simple subsidies to the comprehensive enhancement of young people’s ‘job-ready competitiveness.’ By integrating AI technologies, creativity, and international connections, the city is systematically transforming youth competitiveness into a driving force for development. Initiatives include creating AI talent incubators, expanding the integration of youth creativity into the city, and strengthening international connections and civic diplomacy.
These initiatives reflect New Taipei City’s commitment to fostering a strong community spirit, promoting sustainable living, and preparing its residents for future challenges. As a local resident, witnessing and participating in these programs has been both inspiring and reassuring, knowing that our city is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all its inhabitants.