SEE Coins Co-learning Workshop

Date: March 8, 2025

Time: 10:00 – 12:00; 14:00 – 16:00

Location: Fairview Park Country Club and Metropolis Plaza; Sheung Shui

The second phase of the "SEE Smart Energy Community" research has been underway for several months. Residents from Sheung Shui and Fairview Park came together to learn about a brand-new topic—"Virtual Carbon Coins".

Dr. Alex Lo, a professor from the University of York St John’s Business and Sustainable Development Department and a co-researcher of the "SEE Smart Energy Community," explained the concept and operation of virtual carbon coins. Dr. Lo points out that carbon emissions are a major cause of climate change and extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves. The operation of virtual carbon coins allows community members to earn these coins by adopting energy-saving practices and reducing carbon emissions in their daily lives. The more energy saved and carbon reduced, the greater the rewards earned, thereby encouraging everyone to make more environmentally friendly choices in their everyday lives.

Participants in the "SEE Smart Energy Community" research program can earn "SEE Coins" through energy-saving and carbon-reducing lifestyles. The research team has specifically established an "SEE Online Portal," where residents can view their energy data, check how many "SEE Coins" they have earned, and even complete energy-saving challenges to earn more virtual carbon coins. These virtual carbon coins can be redeemed for prizes or cash vouchers on the portal.

Virtual carbon coins are gradually becoming popular globally. For example, South Korea has an Eco Miles program that awards carbon credits based on the average reduction in energy usage by users each month. Another example is the Carbon Wallet from Hong Kong, where users can earn vouchers through various low-carbon behaviors, such as recycling and using public transportation, thereby encouraging sustainable living practices.