Shenzhen Meisha: Low-Carbon Cooking and Carbon Coin Workshop

Date: August 24, 2025

Location: Meisha Community, Shenzhen

The Asian Energy Studies Centre of Hong Kong Baptist University, in collaboration with the Vanke Foundation, hosted a Low-Carbon Cooking and Carbon Coin Workshop. This event took place at the Meisha Biosphere in Yantian District, Shenzhen, and welcomed 13 families, including 19 parents and 20 children.

Workshop Activities Highlights

Energy Saving Classroom

We taught students how to read electricity bills and understand how to "save 1 kilowatt-hour" in their daily lives. During the Q&A session, children actively participated, discussing which household appliances consume the most electricity, such as air conditioners and rice cookers. Parents were also engaged when we discussed the six principles of a low-carbon diet!

Low-Carbon Cooking

Together with the kids, we made healthy and delicious summer fresh Mexican nacho tacos. We prepared a variety of fresh vegetables (such as cucumbers and tomatoes) and fruits (like cantaloupe, dragon fruit, and bananas), allowing parents and children to create different taco flavors. Everyone found this activity particularly fun, delicious, and enjoyable!

Carbon Coin Classroom

Parents had the opportunity to learn about the concept, knowledge, and applications of "carbon coins." We explained what carbon coins are and introduced Shenzhen's carbon-inclusive program, followed by a half-hour group discussion. During this discussion, two parents mentioned that after participating in the event, they began to understand energy saving and how to read electricity bills, even registering for peak and valley electric charges (where electricity rates vary by time of day). One parent noted that since attending the workshop, they no longer use the air conditioner at night and instead choose to use a ceiling fan, saving electricity and staying cool.

Low-Carbon Action Coloring and Drawing Activity

We asked children to choose "the energy-saving actions they want to achieve" and color their drawings. Additionally, they could illustrate their vision of "the future solar community" by drawing solar panels on rooftops and coloring them.

This workshop not only equipped participants with practical knowledge for low-carbon living but also enhanced the interaction between parents and children, allowing everyone to learn and grow together in a joyful atmosphere.