Experts Discuss Green Future at Bay Area “Sustainable Economy” Forum

On the evening of March 12, the Silicon Valley Good Morning Association (GMSV) held a “Sustainable Economy” seminar in San Jose, with three experts taking the stage to speak. The event was packed with enthusiastic attendees, and there was lively interaction throughout.

Co-organized by the Bay Area Taiwan Junior Chamber of Commerce (TJCCSFBA), the event was graced by the presence of former Fremont Mayor Lily May, adding to the excitement.

Robin Tan, the president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, introduced Leo Chao, the co-founder of Zenpack. This expert in sustainable packaging design, who has won the IDEA award, emphasized the clever combination of design and manufacturing at Zenpack, allowing them to meet customer needs precisely and stand out in the market. He shared successful paper packaging cases from companies like Bigface Coffee, Drinkworks, True Maker, and Our Place, demonstrating how paper can become the new sustainable favorite.

Dr. Sharon Hsiao from Santa Clara University presented the “BASiL” project, which uses artificial intelligence to simplify waste management challenges. Her invention, the “Waste Genie,” can categorize waste with a simple scan on a mobile phone and provide guidance on proper disposal. She revealed plans to introduce human-machine collaboration features to enhance transparency, as well as the “My Sustainability Pal” program to streamline legal and waste information, enabling individuals to track their environmental footprint for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Terry Yang, the Senior Director at Fortinet, shared their sustainable practices within the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework, including reducing carbon footprint, achieving a 70% increase in energy efficiency, and powering their headquarters with 100% solar energy, moving steadily towards carbon neutrality. They also offer free cybersecurity training to create an inclusive workplace. Moreover, they plan to transition to using recyclable or biodegradable materials for large hardware, optimizing waste management through material recycling and simplified design. Terry emphasized that standards can drive transformation.

During the Q&A session, moderator Robin sparked lively discussions by posing incisive questions to Leo, Sharon, and Terry, focusing on the technological and practical aspects of sustainable economic practices. Leo highlighted the importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools for quantifying carbon emissions and water consumption, using examples such as paper pulp bottle caps and Shellwork (Vivomer) materials, sharing the success of a failed marketing campaign for pulp composting bins and the team effort behind the success of medical test tube paper racks.

Sharon pointed out the complexities of waste management in the United States and recommended simplifying regulations, integrating LCA and human-machine collaboration to increase recycling rates, adding that education and behavioral change are key factors. Terry disclosed that Fortinet achieved carbon neutrality through the use of paper-based materials, drawing inspiration from Apple’s recycling strategies and underscoring the importance of carbon footprint analysis in finding optimal solutions in the absence of plastic regulations in the European Union. Robin connected trends and examples in questioning, showcasing the innovative thinking and leadership of the three speakers, leaving the audience deeply inspired.

Former Fremont Mayor Lily May, in her address and interview with Epoch Times, described the seminar as a treasure trove of knowledge, opening discussions on a green future for Silicon Valley and Fremont. She highlighted the frequent wildfires and earthquakes in California, sounding the alarm for sustainability. Fremont relies on microgrids to independently power themselves for 12 to 15 hours during disasters, reducing reliance on external energy sources. The city received an A rating in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), leading the way in clean technology across the United States.

She cited policies like the “carrot and stick” approach, the student “clean plate” program, and water resource reuse initiatives as examples, emphasizing that cooperation and innovation are crucial. Encouraging engineers and young individuals to propose practical and creative ideas, she urged Fremont to continue leading as a green city.