Founded in 1994 at the United Nations University by Professor Gunter Pauli, the Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) is a globally recognised network of over 4,000 scientists and experts. For three decades, it has been dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions to the world's most pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
ZERI's work has catalysed significant real-world impact, creating over three million jobs worldwide and attracting more than five billion euros in investment for groundbreaking sustainability projects. Its thought leadership has been consistently acknowledged, with ZERI frequently ranked among the world's Top 10 Think Tanks for Most Innovative Policy Ideas in the University of Pennsylvania's Global Go-To Think Tank Index.
ZERI China was established in 2020 by Shelley Tsang to leverage this global expertise in the Chinese context. Acting as the regional nexus of the ZERI network, it serves as a critical bridge, translating international knowledge into scalable, locally relevant solutions. Officially registered with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) as an International Non-Governmental Organisation (ID #709193), ZERI China is positioned to advance sustainable innovation and place China at the forefront of a regenerative future.
Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (China)
ZERI China's strategy is built on translating the principles of the Blue Economy into a transformative, China-specific model of regenerative development. As a catalyst for regenerative development, ZERI China's mission is strategically directed through three core priorities to ensure transformative impact and systemic change:
Pioneering Systemic Innovation
We develop and scale nature-inspired solutions based on Blue Economy principles, transforming waste into resources and fostering industrial symbiosis. By leveraging China's manufacturing scale, we create closed-loop systems that emulate nature's zero-waste efficiency.
Demonstrating Integrated Models
Through pilot projects such as the ZERI Innovation Lab and the Future City Think Tank, we implement and validate integrated solutions for agriculture, energy, and urban systems. These live demonstrations prove the economic and environmental benefits of the regenerative model.
Scaling Influence and Informing Policy
We leverage the success of our pilot projects to influence regional development strategies and national policy frameworks. By building a robust evidence base, we position China as a global leader in the practical implementation of a circular and regenerative economy.
Professor Gunter Pauli
Founder of ZERI
ZERI China Research
ZERI China's research is driven by a commitment to systemic, zero-emission solutions inspired by natural ecosystems. Our team of scientists, researchers, and innovators works at the intersection of multiple disciplines, developing cutting-edge, nature-inspired technologies that mimic the efficiency and resilience of biological systems. This holistic R&D approach allows us to unlock innovative models for resource use, energy generation, and material flows—transforming waste into value and designing regenerative frameworks that are both scalable and adaptable to the Chinese context. The core of our research lies in harnessing nature's intelligence to build a foundation for a sustainable and regenerative economic future.
The Science of Zero Emissions
What are the key principles behind the science of zero emissions that lead to a sustainable, waste-free future?
Alternative Energy
What are the most promising alternative energy sources, and how can they be integrated into the global energy grid?
Technical Innovation Method
What are the most effective methods for fostering technical innovation to enhance productivity and drive sustainable development?
Green Manufacturing
How can green manufacturing practices reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness in the industrial sector?
Renewal and Reconstruction Method
What are the most effective renewal and reconstruction methods for revitalizing outdated infrastructure while promoting sustainability?
Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Building Design
How can energy conservation measures be effectively integrated into building design to enhance environmental protection?
Control of Rural Pollution Sources
What effective strategies can be implemented to control pollution sources in rural areas?
Eliminate Backwards Productive Forces
How can we effectively eliminate backwards productive forces to drive progress toward a more advanced and sustainable economic system?
ZERI Internship Programme
What distinctive opportunities does the ZERI Internship Programme provide for translating theoretical knowledge into practical experience?
ZERI China Initiatives
Through ZERI China Initiatives, these research insights are translated into tangible impact across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, waste management, and green architecture. We prioritise cross-sector collaboration, partnering with industry, government, and communities to implement integrated solutions that address environmental challenges while stimulating economic growth and enhancing social well-being. Each initiative is designed to prove the viability of circular, zero-emission models at scale, demonstrating that reducing environmental impact goes hand-in-hand with creating value. By bridging innovative research with practical application, our initiatives leave a lasting imprint on China's sustainability landscape.
Innovative Business Models
How can innovative business models create new opportunities and breathe life into emerging industries and markets?
Blue Economy Database
How can the principles of Prof. Gunter Pauli's Blue Economy create a sustainable future by utilising nature-inspired solutions?
The Economy of Happiness
How does the Economy of Happiness redefine success by prioritizing well-being and quality of life over traditional economic indicators?
The ZERI 100 Solutions
How do the 100 Solutions offer practical approaches to solving complex environmental and social challenges worldwide?
Ocean Conservation
How can reducing plastic pollution significantly improve the health of marine ecosystems?
New Urbanisation
What new urbanization strategies can foster sustainable development while tackling population growth and environmental challenges?
Gunter's Fables
How can Gunter's Fables be used as educational tools to raise awareness about environmental issues and sustainable practices?
Publications and Reports
What key insights can be gained from the latest publications and reports by ZERI China on sustainability and environmental innovation?
Trips and Explorations
What insights has ZERI China gained from recent trips and explorations focused on sustainable practices and environmental conservation?
Global
Knowledge Ecosystem
As an official partner to the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPEE) under China's Ministry of Education, we leverage a structured multi-tier framework to cultivate a dynamic knowledge ecosystem. We facilitate deep, systematic engagement with a global network of universities, their faculty, researchers, and students, driving industry-academia-research integration and accelerating the translation of innovation into tangible impact.
Disclaimer: The university logos displayed above represent institutions that have supplied interns or young scholars to our programs through our partnership with CCLEC. All logos are the property of their respective owners.
Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (China) is an International Non-Governmental Organisation, officially registered with the United Nations Integrated Civil Society Organisations System (ID #709193).
ZERI China benefits from the foundational support of SIG Group Holding and strategically partners with a consortium of philanthropies and institutional funders who share our long-term vision. As an organisation, ZERI China maintains a position of strict neutrality on political and policy matters, ensuring an inclusive and open platform for all cultural voices.
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