AmCham Taiwan Healthy Aging Forum:
2025健康台灣樂齡論壇:公私協力促進全人健康
AmCham Taiwan Healthy Aging Forum:
2025健康台灣樂齡論壇:公私協力促進全人健康
Committee Events & Luncheons
The Committee aims to promote the advancement of ESG practices in Taiwan by collaborating with government and relevant stakeholders through public-private learning partnerships, echoing the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
We applaud the government’s stated commitment to ESG principles and recognize its dedication to integrating ESG into national policies, promoting sustainable development and responsible investment. Taiwan is advancing green energy initiatives, targeting substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and encouraging the use of renewable resources. Socially, it supports corporate social responsibility, labor rights, and inclusivity. Furthermore, Taiwan stands out in its emphasis on transparency, ethical conduct, and corporate accountability.
These efforts are reflected in policies promoting ESG reporting and performance among businesses, with a vision to position Taiwan as a leading center of sustainable and responsible investment in Asia. To address members’ specific regulatory concerns, we offer the following recommendations:
Suggestion 1: Continue to incentivize Taiwan’s information and communications technology supply chain to accelerate greenhouse gas reduction and investment in green technology.
The Committee acknowledges the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Following passage of the Climate Change Response Act, the government has continued to allocate resources to related subsidiary laws and regulatory revisions. We recommend that the government further encourage low-carbon product innovation and R&D in manufacturing by incorporating these initiatives into the existing incentive programs for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.
Promoting a circular economy through implementing regulatory amendments, incorporating everything as a service (XaaS) principles into public and private procurement, and encouraging “design for circularity” can help transform consumer behavior. To support these initiatives, the Committee stands ready to contribute industry expertise during the legislative amendment process.
1.1 Incentivize low-carbon product innovation and manufacturing R&D. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) incorporate innovation and R&D for the manufacturing of low-carbon products into its subsidy and incentive frameworks for industries. To enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan’s ICT industry in the world market, incentives should be applicable to Taiwanese ICT companies’ operations and production globally. Such an approach not only aligns with governmental efforts to bolster the resilience and supply chains of Taiwan’s ICT industry but also enhances the global competitiveness of Taiwanese companies.
1.2 Promote the circular economy through comprehensive regulatory amendments and implementation. Incorporating XaaS, a sharing economy model, into public and private procurement and promoting “design for circularity” products will help transform consumer behavior and drive the circular economy.
The Committee urges the government to further promote the circular economy and reward market behavior through the revision and implementation of new regulations that support the sharing economy and encourage the purchase of products designed for ease of repair and recycling. Such regulatory changes would positively influence consumer behavior, leading to reduced carbon emissions and waste, and motivate the ICT supply chain to pursue innovations in low-carbon design and manufacturing technologies.
Suggestion 2: Provide more favorable policy incentives to manufacturers and importers of materials or containers made of recycled materials for the packaging of food, cosmetics, and commodities.
Using recycled materials instead of virgin plastics in the production of food, cosmetics, or commodity packaging can significantly reduce carbon emissions and the overall carbon footprint, contributing positively to environmental sustainability. However, the cost of recycled plastics is notably higher than that of virgin plastics. Despite this, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) charges the same recycling processing fee for products made from virgin plastics as for those made from recycled materials.
We urge the MOENV to provide more favorable carbon fees for providers and users of products characterized by low energy consumption or a small carbon footprint and to review the recycling and processing fee rates for these items when formulating regulations. Additionally, we recommend that the MOENV classify containers made from recycled materials under the “green rate” category for recycling and processing fees, promoting the use of sustainable materials and supporting environmental conservation efforts.
Suggestion 3: Advance net-zero education, cultivate sustainability talent, and elevate Taiwan’s societal consensus on green energy.
More than 400 international companies have publicly committed to sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050, making the availability of green energy a crucial factor in investment decisions. To maintain Taiwan’s competitive edge in international markets and address the challenges of reaching global net-zero emissions targets, the Committee recommends that the government build a broad societal consensus for green initiatives and carbon reduction, promote in-depth discussions about global warming and extreme climate events, and establish a mature green energy framework that aligns with international standards and values.
3.1 Incorporate net-zero and green energy topics into the 2029 Curriculum Guidelines of 12-Year Basic Education. The Committee notes that within the 2019 Curriculum Guidelines of 12-Year Basic Education, energy and environmental topics constitute approximately 6% of the natural sciences and technology courses for children from third to sixth grade. Specifically, environmental topics are addressed in just one out of eight topics in the fourth and sixth grades, while no environmental education is included in the third and fifth grade curriculums. This sparse inclusion indicates a limited emphasis on environmental and energy education in the early stages of basic education.
In Europe and the United States, environmental and energy education is a fundamental part of preschool learning. Recognizing the importance of such education, South Korea has also updated its curriculum to focus on ecological literacy through its “General Guidelines for the 2022 Revised National Curriculum and Environmental and Ecological Education.” The Committee underscores the need for similar efforts to significantly enhance the quantity and quality of environmental and green energy education materials in Taiwan. Through enhanced green literacy, the future generation can better meet pressing challenges of carbon reduction.
The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Education expand the scope of environmental and sustainability education in primary and secondary schools. This expansion should include improvements in teacher training and the modernization of current theory-focused materials. Such efforts would equip Taiwan’s younger generation with a comprehensive understanding of global sustainable societal systems and environmental challenges, positioning Taiwan as a leader in environmental consciousness and an attractive destination for sound investments.
3.2 Increase funding for higher education research and cultivate talent with the ability to manage renewable energy projects. Taiwan aims to achieve 5.7 GW of offshore wind power capacity by 2025, positioning it as second in Asia in this sector. Despite this ambitious goal, both the renewable energy industry and the MOENV acknowledge a critical shortage of domestic qualified professionals in Taiwan. Research by Greenpeace Taiwan indicates that while 90% of younger Taiwanese (between the ages of 18 and 40) are interested in pursuing “green-collar jobs,” 70% fear that their current academic majors may not adequately prepare them for these roles, highlighting a significant gap between educational offerings and the emerging job market in the green energy sector.
While the Committee recognizes the efforts of higher education institutions in streamlining and integrating resources to support the green energy sector, we recommend further investment in building talent within developing technologies and operation and maintenance. By increasing funding and resources for university faculties in relevant disciplines, Taiwan can ensure that its energy transformation is supported by the development of skilled human resources and the mastery of necessary technologies for the green energy industry. This approach will not only enhance the maturity and independence of the renewable energy sector but also ensure that Taiwan remains at the forefront of sustainable energy development.
3.3 Initiate a national green energy policy seminar tour, incentivize carbon reduction-related creations, popularize the core value of net zero, and facilitate realization of the 2050 goals. To advance the development of Taiwan’s low-carbon economy, the government should communicate practical and objective information on carbon reduction and green initiatives in the media and with environmental organizations, local communities, and individual households. Such efforts could also minimize misinformation and misconceptions about renewable energy. The Committee recommends that the government actively promote its green energy policies, organize national green energy policy seminar tours, and foster engagement with local communities and stakeholders. By embedding the core value of sustainability deeply within society, these actions will not only localize and popularize these values but also significantly contribute to fulfilling global environmental responsibilities.
The Committee recommends that the government enhance policy support and broaden incentives for cultural, artistic, personal media, and multimedia creations focused on carbon reduction, environmental education, and green energy. Doing so will cultivate a rich cultural and artistic landscape, improve environmental literacy, and establish a comprehensive environmental education database. By promoting transparency in social communication and minimizing biases and misunderstandings due to information discrepancies, these measures will ensure that the public’s environmental awareness stays in step with global trends. Such strategic support is crucial for attracting long-term international investments to Taiwan, leveraging its commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
委員會旨在通過與政府和利害關係人合作,通過公私學習夥伴模式(PPLP)呼應聯合國的17個永續發展目標,促進台灣有效實踐ESG原則。我們認同政府對ESG原則的承諾,也肯定將ESG納入國家政策、促進永續發展和責任投資的奉獻精神。在環境方面,台灣正在推進綠色能源倡議,以大幅減少溫室氣體排放為目標,並鼓勵利用可再生資源;於社會議題層面,台灣支持企業社會責任、勞工權利和包容性;而就政府治面向,台灣在強調治理透明度、道德行為和企業責任方面獨具特色。這些努力體現在促進企業ESG報告和業績的政策中,目標是將台灣定位為亞洲永續和責任投資的中心。為協助會員解決特定的監管議題,我們提議:
建議一:持續獎勵台灣資訊通信技術產業(ICT)供應鏈之溫室氣體減量措施並加速綠色技術之投資
委員會肯定政府致力於在2050年實現淨零排放之政策目標,針對氣漏變遷因應法,我們建議政府進一步鼓勵低碳產品之創新和製造研發,並將此倡議納入現有的ICT產業獎勵相關計劃中。此外,亦應通過實施法規修正,將Xaas原則納入公部門和私部門採購,以鼓勵「循環設計」產品,藉此改變消費者行為,是故我們敦促政府盡速修訂《資源循環促進法》等相關法規。為支持這些倡議,委員對於參與前述草案之立法過程之討論義不容辭,並適時提供產業專業知識。
1.1. 獎勵低碳產品創新和製造研發。委員會建議經濟部將低碳產品(溫室氣體盤查議定書之範疇3,類別11)的創新及研發納入其對產業的補貼和獎勵框架中。為增強台灣ICT產業在世界市場上的競爭力,前述之獎勵措施應適用於台灣ICT公司在全球的營運和生產。這不僅與政府增強台灣ICT產業的韌性和促進供應鏈升級的努力一致,同時也增強台灣公司的全球競爭力。
1.2. 通過全面的法規修正和實施來促進循環經濟。將共享經濟模式 Everything-as-a-Service(XaaS)納入公部門和私部門採購,並促進「循環設計」產品,將有助於轉變消費者行為並推動循環經濟。委員會敦促政府持續通過修訂和實施新的法規,如提出《資源循環促進法》草案,以促進循環經濟並獎勵市場行為,藉此支持共享經濟並鼓勵購買易於維修和回收的產品。這些法規變化將對消費者行為帶來正向影響,減少碳排放和浪費,並激勵ICT供應鏈廠商追求低碳設計和製造技術的創新。
建議二:對食品、化妝品、或一般商品包材或容器的製造商及進口商,提供更有利之政策獎勵措施
於食品、化妝品、或一般商品之包裝的生產中使用再生材料而非原生塑膠,得顯著减少碳排放及整體碳足跡,為環境永續性提供正面貢獻。然而,由於再生塑料成本高於原生塑料,導致於包装中廣泛採用回收材質構成了業者的財務負擔。
我們期待環境部對被歸類為低耗能或碳足跡較小產品的提供者及客戶,得提供更友善的碳費,且於規劃碳費回收處理費費率時,亦審查此類產品之回收處理費率。此外,針對以回收材質製成的包裝,我們建議環境部將其歸類於「綠色費率」以徵收回收處理費,以便推廣永續材料之使用並有效支持環境保育之工作。
建議三:推廣淨零排放教育、培育永續人才,並提高台灣社會的綠能共識
在全球超過400家國際企業已公開承諾於2050年前採用100%綠電之下,綠能的可用性儼然成為投資決策的關鍵因素。為避免台灣失去國際市場競爭優勢、在面對全球淨零挑戰時具有充分應變能力,ESG委員會建議台灣政府應全面建立廣泛的展綠減碳社會共識,強化全球暖化與極端氣候加劇之議題討論,建立成熟綠能基礎建設以接軌國際標準及價值觀。
3.1 將合乎全球趨勢的淨零排放與綠能議題素材納入民國118年十二年國民基本教育課程綱要
委員會觀察,以量而言,目前108課綱的相關能源或環境教育單元,約佔中高年級自然與生活科技課的6%(尤其此類議題在四年級、六年級全年8個單元僅出現1單元,而三年級、五年級則全然無相關環境課程);如此稀少的課程含量,凸顯了基礎教育對環境與能源教育的關注明顯不足。而以質而言,相關章節的文字內容亦停留在保守而過時的論述,與全球討論的趨勢或議題明顯脫節。
相較於歐洲與美國,環境與能源知識是學齡前的基礎教育,鑒於此類教育的重要性,韓國也頒布「2022年修訂版課程與環境暨生態教育之總綱」,全面注重公民之生態素養。委員會在此強調,台灣也應迎頭趕上、從質與量全面提升環保綠能素材的教育篇幅,加強綠能識讀使下一代得以面對全球緊迫的經濟與減碳挑戰。
因此,委員會建議台灣政府應即刻研議於中小學教育拓展環境永續教材,加強師資培訓,更新目前理論導向的基礎教材使其貼近當今情勢。以此守護並投資台灣年輕一代,使其能理解全球永續社會系統與環境面臨之挑戰,更建立台灣成為具環境意識與健康投資環境的領導者。
3.2 針對綠能專業擴大高等教育研究經費,培養具備管理再生能源專案的本土永續人才
台灣政府規劃2025年離岸風電累計設置達5.7GW,打造亞洲第二裝置容量;然而台灣在追求能源自主的同時,包括綠能產業和環境部都承認台灣嚴重缺乏合格的專業人才。據台灣綠色和平(Greenpeace Taiwan)研究顯示:台灣有九成年輕人(18-40歲)對綠能工作有興趣,但其中高達7成認為目前選讀學系無法讓他們有綠能產業相關的能力 – 顯然教育專業與就業間存在極大的學用落差。
委員會樂見台灣多所高等院校已進行資源整合與平台串聯等努力,然而,委員會建議仍需加強在新專案的研究、開發,和運營維護等方面之專業人才培育。透過提高研究經費及相關系所之教育資源,才能確保台灣在推動能源轉型之過程中,也能發展出相應之人力資源、並掌握綠能產業所需之專業技術。唯培育更專業的專案人才,才能加速再生能源之成熟性與自主性,並確保台灣在永續能源發展的前瞻地位。
3.3 舉辦全國性綠能政策巡迴講座,擴大減碳元素藝文創作之獎勵,推動淨零排放價值之普及化,加速台灣實現2050年法定目標
為了推動台灣低碳經濟發展,台灣政府應向媒體、環保組織、地方社區和家戶傳達關於減碳和綠色倡議的實用客觀信息,以減少對綠能偏差認知的可能性。
因此,委員會懇請台灣政府擴大對綠能政策之推廣,在全國推行巡迴講座,並納入鄉鎮區等行政單位之參與,使永續的核心價值深植台灣社會,不僅得實現全球減碳精神在地普及化,更能進一步促進世界環保責任。
委員會建議台灣政府對於減碳、環境教育、綠電等元素為重點的文化藝術創作,以及包括自媒體在內的影視多媒體產業,給予政策支持與擴大獎勵。這樣的良性獎勵能促進台灣藝文創作多元發展、提升台灣閱聽環境的環保素養,亦能建立珍貴的環境教育資料庫、促進社會交流的透明度、最小化因資訊不對等導致之認知偏差,使大眾能掌握與全球趨勢同步的環境意識,從而吸引國際對台灣的長期投資,實現台灣對永續和環境教育的承諾。