————  Foreword

Three decades ago, while studying in Japan, Dr. Long Jisheng stumbled upon a surprising discovery: the picturesque location he admired for its cherry blossoms was, in fact, a waste-to-energy facility. This revelation sparked a deep-seated passion within him for environmental conservation. Thus began his quest to establish an exemplary industrial park in China, centered around a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant.

In Dr. Long Jisheng's vision, the park is envisioned as a harmonious environment seamlessly integrated with its surroundings, providing a space for leisure and recreation for the public. The primary objective within the park is to establish a circular economy model, promoting both material and energy recycling. This approach not only improves economic productivity but also advances the goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

In 1988, Dr. Long Jisheng was chosen among the seventh group of Chinese government-sponsored students pursuing doctoral degrees overseas. When he opened the "blind box" disclosing his study destination, he discovered he was bound for Japan. This revelation caught him off guard, as he had no prior experience with Japanese language or culture, and had never considered pursuing a doctoral degree, especially in a foreign country.

To this day, when questioned about being labeled the "chosen one," Dr. Long Jisheng often responds with a sense of bewilderment, saying he felt "at a loss." However, his actions speak volumes. Despite facing significant foreign exchange constraints, the nation prioritized nurturing talent, tirelessly securing funds and facilitating favorable learning environments for students abroad. Naturally, those deemed the "chosen ones" felt compelled to repay their homeland wholeheartedly.

"A mother never airs her struggles in front of her children, but those who have known poverty will particularly recall the sacrifices made by their mothers."

Today, Dr. Long Jisheng's enterprise, SUS Environment, ranks among China's foremost environmental technology firms. His efforts have not only advanced environmental technology and concepts within China but have also led to globalization through innovative technologies.

————  01 From Agricultural Doctorate to Environmental Expert

By late 1993, Dr. Long Jisheng was close to completing his doctoral degree in agronomy. Throughout his academic journey, spanning from undergraduate studies to a doctoral degree he had focused on agricultural machinery. As he neared his return to China, he became aware of the country's policy encouraging overseas students to gain work experience abroad before coming back home.

He faced a quandary. During the 1980s, China's predominant household responsibility system made his expertise in agricultural machinery appear less applicable. He reflected, "The nation has invested significantly in my education. How can I contribute to the country's future? What challenges can I address?"

It was serendipitous that he contemplated environmental conservation.

When he arrived in Japan, he was struck by the country's cleanliness. Despite not having particularly wide streets or new buildings, everything was impeccably clean. He noticed that many cherry blossom viewing spots, popular during blooming season, were near waste-to-energy plants and their surroundings. In Japanese cities, these plants were often found alongside train stations, government offices, residential areas, schools, and nursing homes, where people would gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms, socialize, and unwind.

"The waste-to-energy plant surprisingly emerged as a favored recreational spot for locals. This environmentally friendly approach to waste disposal struck a chord with him, sparking a conviction that China would inevitably require such technology in the future. Holding onto this belief, he sought employment after graduation with the prestigious environmental consulting firm—Japan Technology Development Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as JTD), commencing his journey in environmental conservation."

————  02 "Environmental preservation encompasses both technological advancements and philosophical perspectives." 

"Before the year 2000, waste disposal in China mainly relied on primitive landfill methods, resulting in various environmental problems such as extensive land occupation, groundwater pollution, and underutilization of resources."

During the turn of the millennium, Japan's environmental industry underwent significant growth, particularly in the renovation, dismantling, and construction of waste incineration power plants. Dr. Long Jisheng, as an expert at JTD, was closely involved in and witnessed this development.

Armed with these invaluable experiences, Dr. Long Jisheng grew increasingly certain about the future trajectory of environmental protection and felt a greater sense of responsibility toward his homeland. He assumed the role of an environmental advocate, actively engaging in seminars, visiting relevant institutions, aiding in the establishment of environmental standards and regulations, and sharing insights and lessons learned from Europe, America, and Japan in environmental protection whenever he returned to China.

Over time, several major cities in China started considering the potential of waste-to-energy initiatives. However, a primary concern arose regarding the adaptability of foreign equipment to burn Chinese waste. Disparities in economic development stages, lifestyle patterns, dietary habits, climate conditions, and other factors among countries result in significant variations in waste quantity and calorific value per capita. Moreover, waste characteristics vary substantially across different regions of China. Consequently, implementing foreign equipment domestically could face hurdles due to these disparities.

Throughout the Tenth Five-Year Plan period (2000-2005), cities like Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Ningbo notably imported foreign equipment and proceeded to build waste-to-energy plants.

During the advancement of China's waste-to-energy sector with the aid of international technology, he acted as the technical advisor to the Shanghai Municipal Government on behalf of the Japanese Tech company. Recognizing this as a crucial opportunity to contribute to his homeland, he committed himself wholeheartedly, channeling all his expertise into the environmental initiatives tailored to Chinese conditions. Following this, the Japanese Tech company partnered with a Shanghai state-owned enterprise to establish a joint venture, with him representing the Japanese interests. Through this collaboration, he witnessed the evolution of China's environmental sector firsthand.

After the dissolution of the joint venture, his colleagues extended an invitation: "Dr. Long, we'd like you to stay and join us in a new endeavor. Let's collaborate." Faced with the choice between staying or departing, he opted to remain and embark on the journey of entrepreneurship.

In December 2008, SUS Environment was founded, with several founding members being experienced professionals from the former joint venture company.

————  03 Let's do something together." 

At the outset of SUS Environment, Dr. Long Jisheng defined the company's mission as "Let's do something together." However, this "something" was far-reaching, aiming to "create a cleaner and more friendly living environment" and establish the company as a "World-Leading Comprehensive Environmental Service Provider."

Dr. Long envisioned a future where China's waste-to-energy plants would evolve into cherished leisure destinations accessible to all. Beyond mere recreation, his vision aimed to ignite widespread environmental consciousness, promote symbiotic relationships between humanity and nature, and expedite the journey towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Waste-to-energy represents a type of power generation facility that substitutes coal or alternative fuels with waste materials. Nonetheless, owing to the nature of waste, stringent environmental regulations must be upheld to mitigate odors, harmful gas discharges, and environmental impacts on nearby communities.

Since 2005, the waste-to-energy sector in China has been in full swing. Nonetheless, several critical challenges emerged during that period: firstly, community opposition hindered the construction of waste-to-energy facilities near residential areas; secondly, heavy reliance on imported equipment resulted in high expenses and compatibility issues, as domestically manufactured equipment was not yet universally adaptable.

Technology stands as the cornerstone of a company's competitive edge. SUS Environment's initial objective was to address the challenge of localizing waste incineration equipment.

In the pursuit of domestication, the question emerged: should technology be imported or replicated? Dr. Long Jisheng opted for the former. With extensive experience in research and development, he recognized the importance of leveraging established technologies initially, avoiding the redundancy of duplicating mature foreign technologies. Instead, by introducing, assimilating, absorbing, and innovating, he expedited the company's development process and facilitated comprehensive domestication. Despite encountering financial constraints typical of startup ventures, he imported advanced waste incineration mechanical grate technology from Hitachi Zosen Corporation. However, skepticism abounded domestically. Given the complexity of the incineration furnace system and the stringent material and casting process requirements for the grate bars, doubts arose regarding the feasibility of manufacturing such equipment in-house, even with acquired technology.

Before long, SUS's determination and Dr. Long's steadfast pursuit of their objective turned skepticism into admiration. Empowered by advanced technology, SUS Environment engineered a 600-ton incineration apparatus, then the largest of its kind in China.

Afterward, the firm persistently refined its machinery, striving for large-scale operations, heightened efficiency, and adherence to strict emission criteria. Progressing from 750 tons to 850 tons, then 900 tons, and presently reaching a formidable capacity of 1000 tons, SUS has secured a market share exceeding 40%. Rapidly ascending, it now stands as a frontrunner in waste-to-energy technology and apparatus.

Despite the accolades, Dr. Long remained forward-thinking, focusing on SUS Environment's next phase of growth. He set aside the applause, turning his attention to charting a new course in the waste-to-energy sector.

————  04 Low-Carbon Eco-Industrial Park: Fostering Circularity of Materials and Energy

"Dr. Long Jisheng frequently underscores that SUS Environment is a firm dedicated to delivering top-notch services, with equipment acting as the conduit for these services. Our objective is to offer environmental management services to the community, which constitutes our forte and primary competitive edge," remarked Dr. Long Jisheng.

In 2014, he made a momentous decision: to cede majority ownership and bring in a strategic partner, CITIC Industrial Fund, via capital injection and equity expansion. His aim was for SUS to more effectively "collaborate in creating a cleaner and more environmentally friendly living environment." As for his personal stake in SUS, it held little significance to him.

In recent years, the growth rate and magnitude of China's waste-to-energy sector have surpassed his initial projections and expectations. Initially, he envisioned that waste-to-energy would represent 40% to 50% of waste management within two to three decades. However, he didn't anticipate that the current operational capacity would already surpass 50%. It's projected that by 2025, this proportion could reach 80% to 90%.

With the introduction of CITIC Industrial Fund, SUS Environment underwent a significant transformation. It evolved from being solely a waste-to-energy technology and equipment integrator to becoming a comprehensive environmental governance service provider, with waste-to-energy as its cornerstone. This transition reflects the company's commitment to better serve society and represents a crucial step towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Dr. Long Jisheng emphasized, "Just as the human body has arteries and veins, providing products serves as the arteries, transporting resources outward, while waste recycling acts as the veins, allowing resources to flow back." The concept of low-carbon eco-industrial parks, also known as "circular economy parks," revolves around the efficient circulation of materials and energy. Within these parks, waste heat generated from waste-to-energy processes can be repurposed for activities such as sludge drying, kitchen waste fermentation, and medical waste sterilization. Additionally, various combustible residues from solid waste treatment can be recycled back into the incinerator for combustion, generating thermal energy and achieving a circular utilization of materials and energy.

The projects in Zhuhai and Ningbo served as experimental grounds for SUS Environment. In these projects, SUS Environment undertook the planning and construction of waste-to-energy plants alongside kitchen waste treatment facilities and catering waste treatment plants. Presently, the company is also in the process of planning sludge treatment facilities and medical waste treatment plants. This initiative aims to establish a dual circulation system of materials and energy centered around waste-to-energy plants.

He envisions these parks as harmonious communities that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. Beyond their primary functions, these parks take into account various factors that harmonize with the local environment and cultural heritage. For instance, they feature deindustrialized facade designs that blend seamlessly with the local environment and historical background, as well as open incineration museums and sports facilities. Additionally, these parks host environmental education programs, family days, photography events, and other activities, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The freely accessible fitness and leisure facilities within the factory area also benefit the surrounding residents.

"We've transformed the park into a verdant garden, a circular economy hub, and a harmonious community seamlessly woven into the surrounding environment, changing the original 'NIMBY' sentiment to 'PIMBY' (Please In My Backyard). Following the success in Zhuhai and Ningbo, SUS Environment's industrial parks have proliferated across the country, sprouting up in cities like Qingdao, Shenyang, Taiyuan, Xi'an, Wuhan, Nanchang, and more. Presently, SUS Environment oversees over 60 waste-to-energy projects nationwide, collectively processing over 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day, representing approximately 10% of the national total."

The partnership between SUS Environment and CITIC Industrial Fund has yielded remarkable success. Shanghai Industrial Holdings and Ningbo Urban Development, among other investors, have shown great confidence in SUS Environment's overall capabilities and future growth potential, joining as new shareholders in 2020. Recognizing SUS Environment's achievements, Harvard Business School chose its successful case studies for inclusion in its curriculum during the autumn semester of 2021.

After three decades of nurturing his environmental dream, it has finally found firm footing in China.

————  05 "Embarking on an Internationalization Journey"

Due to continuous innovation and extensive implementation, China's waste-to-energy technology has reached global standards, surpassing other regions worldwide in scale. Dr. Long Jisheng humorously noted, "In the past, discussions about navies focused on the U.S. Navy and navies elsewhere. Now, when it comes to waste-to-energy, it's either China or non-China countries. The stage is set for Chinese technology to make a global impact!"

Another significant factor is that although the global population has surpassed 7 billion, only around 2 billion individuals currently have access to waste-to-energy solutions. Extending advanced environmental technology and principles to every part of the globe is crucial for achieving genuine sustainable development worldwide, fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, and represents a practical step towards realizing a shared future for all mankind.

Dr. Long Jisheng views the global expansion of China's waste-to-energy sector akin to the transformative impact of China's high-speed rail on developing nations. Remarkably, the domestic production rate of waste-to-energy technology surpasses that of high-speed rail. Both technologies exemplify China's significant contributions to global progress and the collective welfare of humanity.

For decades, high-speed rail technology was predominantly utilized in Europe and Japan, posing cost challenges for many developing nations. However, China's success in domestic production and widespread adoption transformed the landscape. Suddenly, developing countries could afford it, and even established players like Europe and Japan adjusted prices to remain competitive. This mirrors the trajectory of waste-to-energy technology adoption.

Firstly, China's advancements in waste-to-energy technology and equipment production substantially decreased construction and operational costs, slashing subsidies per ton of waste from hundreds to tens of dollars. This cost reduction rendered the Chinese waste-to-energy model feasible for adoption in developing countries. Secondly, developing nations often share similarities in environmental conditions and waste characteristics with China, further facilitating the applicability of Chinese waste-to-energy solutions. Lastly, China's extensive experience in adapting waste-to-energy technologies to suit the specific needs of developing countries, such as dealing with high moisture content and low calorific value waste, enhances the suitability and effectiveness of these technologies in such contexts.

By 2025, SUS Environment aims to extend its achievements beyond China's borders by establishing a global presence. Collaborating with partners in France, the company intends to expand its operations into Europe and Africa. Additionally, SUS Environment is actively pursuing opportunities in the Southeast Asian market. This region offers significant potential, particularly with the rapid growth of waste-to-energy initiatives in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Moreover, emerging interest in waste-to-energy projects is observed in nations like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Myanmar, presenting further avenues for expansion.

"SUS Environment remains committed to fostering additional achievements abroad, aiming to elevate waste-to-energy as another prominent hallmark of China on the international stage."

————  06 "Through thorns and brambles, we thrive towards the sun."

In the span of thirty years, Dr. Long Jishi has transitioned from an individual with budding environmental interests to the founder of SUS Environment, a company that now holds over 10% of China's waste-to-energy investment market share, placing it among the top three in the industry. Additionally, SUS Environment commands around 40% of the sales market share for technological equipment in China. Over this time, Dr. Long has observed China's waste-to-energy sector evolve from its early stages to emerge as a global frontrunner.

Despite his distinguished achievements, Dr. Long's commitment to progress remains undimmed.  Though his hair may have turned gray, his spirit embodies the boundless enthusiasm of a young explorer, forever driven by the pursuit of knowledge and positive impact.

Dr. Long's unwavering dedication is encapsulated in his inspiring statement: "Those who fight on remain forever young. Our mission is to persistently transform waste into treasure for the world."

  ————  Foreword

Three decades ago, while studying in Japan, Dr. Long Jisheng stumbled upon a surprising discovery: the picturesque location he admired for its cherry blossoms was, in fact, a waste-to-energy facility. This revelation sparked a deep-seated passion within him for environmental conservation. Thus began his quest to establish an exemplary industrial park in China, centered around a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant.

In Dr. Long Jisheng's vision, the park is envisioned as a harmonious environment seamlessly integrated with its surroundings, providing a space for leisure and recreation for the public. The primary objective within the park is to establish a circular economy model, promoting both material and energy recycling. This approach not only improves economic productivity but also advances the goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

In 1988, Dr. Long Jisheng was chosen among the seventh group of Chinese government-sponsored students pursuing doctoral degrees overseas. When he opened the "blind box" disclosing his study destination, he discovered he was bound for Japan. This revelation caught him off guard, as he had no prior experience with Japanese language or culture, and had never considered pursuing a doctoral degree, especially in a foreign country.

To this day, when questioned about being labeled the "chosen one," Dr. Long Jisheng often responds with a sense of bewilderment, saying he felt "at a loss." However, his actions speak volumes. Despite facing significant foreign exchange constraints, the nation prioritized nurturing talent, tirelessly securing funds and facilitating favorable learning environments for students abroad. Naturally, those deemed the "chosen ones" felt compelled to repay their homeland wholeheartedly.

"A mother never airs her struggles in front of her children, but those who have known poverty will particularly recall the sacrifices made by their mothers."

Today, Dr. Long Jisheng's enterprise, SUS Environment, ranks among China's foremost environmental technology firms. His efforts have not only advanced environmental technology and concepts within China but have also led to globalization through innovative technologies.

  ————  01 From Agricultural Doctorate to Environmental Expert  

By late 1993, Dr. Long Jisheng was close to completing his doctoral degree in agronomy. Throughout his academic journey, spanning from undergraduate studies to a doctoral degree he had focused on agricultural machinery. As he neared his return to China, he became aware of the country's policy encouraging overseas students to gain work experience abroad before coming back home.

He faced a quandary. During the 1980s, China's predominant household responsibility system made his expertise in agricultural machinery appear less applicable. He reflected, "The nation has invested significantly in my education. How can I contribute to the country's future? What challenges can I address?"

It was serendipitous that he contemplated environmental conservation.

When he arrived in Japan, he was struck by the country's cleanliness. Despite not having particularly wide streets or new buildings, everything was impeccably clean. He noticed that many cherry blossom viewing spots, popular during blooming season, were near waste-to-energy plants and their surroundings. In Japanese cities, these plants were often found alongside train stations, government offices, residential areas, schools, and nursing homes, where people would gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms, socialize, and unwind.

   ————  02 "Environmental preservation encompasses both technological advancements and philosophical perspectives."  

"Before the year 2000, waste disposal in China mainly relied on primitive landfill methods, resulting in various environmental problems such as extensive land occupation, groundwater pollution, and underutilization of resources."

During the turn of the millennium, Japan's environmental industry underwent significant growth, particularly in the renovation, dismantling, and construction of waste incineration power plants. Dr. Long Jisheng, as an expert at JTD, was closely involved in and witnessed this development.

Armed with these invaluable experiences, Dr. Long Jisheng grew increasingly certain about the future trajectory of environmental protection and felt a greater sense of responsibility toward his homeland. He assumed the role of an environmental advocate, actively engaging in seminars, visiting relevant institutions, aiding in the establishment of environmental standards and regulations, and sharing insights and lessons learned from Europe, America, and Japan in environmental protection whenever he returned to China.

Over time, several major cities in China started considering the potential of waste-to-energy initiatives. However, a primary concern arose regarding the adaptability of foreign equipment to burn Chinese waste. Disparities in economic development stages, lifestyle patterns, dietary habits, climate conditions, and other factors among countries result in significant variations in waste quantity and calorific value per capita. Moreover, waste characteristics vary substantially across different regions of China. Consequently, implementing foreign equipment domestically could face hurdles due to these disparities.

Throughout the Tenth Five-Year Plan period (2000-2005), cities like Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Ningbo notably imported foreign equipment and proceeded to build waste-to-energy plants.

During the advancement of China's waste-to-energy sector with the aid of international technology, he acted as the technical advisor to the Shanghai Municipal Government on behalf of the Japanese Tech company. Recognizing this as a crucial opportunity to contribute to his homeland, he committed himself wholeheartedly, channeling all his expertise into the environmental initiatives tailored to Chinese conditions. Following this, the Japanese Tech company partnered with a Shanghai state-owned enterprise to establish a joint venture, with him representing the Japanese interests. Through this collaboration, he witnessed the evolution of China's environmental sector firsthand.

After the dissolution of the joint venture, his colleagues extended an invitation: "Dr. Long, we'd like you to stay and join us in a new endeavor. Let's collaborate." Faced with the choice between staying or departing, he opted to remain and embark on the journey of entrepreneurship.

In December 2008, SUS Environment was founded, with several founding members being experienced professionals from the former joint venture company.

  ———— 03 Let's do something together." 

At the outset of SUS Environment, Dr. Long Jisheng defined the company's mission as "Let's do something together." However, this "something" was far-reaching, aiming to "create a cleaner and more friendly living environment" and establish the company as a "World-Leading Comprehensive Environmental Service Provider."

Dr. Long envisioned a future where China's waste-to-energy plants would evolve into cherished leisure destinations accessible to all. Beyond mere recreation, his vision aimed to ignite widespread environmental consciousness, promote symbiotic relationships between humanity and nature, and expedite the journey towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Waste-to-energy represents a type of power generation facility that substitutes coal or alternative fuels with waste materials. Nonetheless, owing to the nature of waste, stringent environmental regulations must be upheld to mitigate odors, harmful gas discharges, and environmental impacts on nearby communities.

Since 2005, the waste-to-energy sector in China has been in full swing. Nonetheless, several critical challenges emerged during that period: firstly, community opposition hindered the construction of waste-to-energy facilities near residential areas; secondly, heavy reliance on imported equipment resulted in high expenses and compatibility issues, as domestically manufactured equipment was not yet universally adaptable.

Technology stands as the cornerstone of a company's competitive edge. SUS Environment's initial objective was to address the challenge of localizing waste incineration equipment.

In the pursuit of domestication, the question emerged: should technology be imported or replicated? Dr. Long Jisheng opted for the former. With extensive experience in research and development, he recognized the importance of leveraging established technologies initially, avoiding the redundancy of duplicating mature foreign technologies. Instead, by introducing, assimilating, absorbing, and innovating, he expedited the company's development process and facilitated comprehensive domestication. Despite encountering financial constraints typical of startup ventures, he imported advanced waste incineration mechanical grate technology from Hitachi Zosen Corporation. However, skepticism abounded domestically. Given the complexity of the incineration furnace system and the stringent material and casting process requirements for the grate bars, doubts arose regarding the feasibility of manufacturing such equipment in-house, even with acquired technology.

Before long, SUS's determination and Dr. Long's steadfast pursuit of their objective turned skepticism into admiration. Empowered by advanced technology, SUS Environment engineered a 600-ton incineration apparatus, then the largest of its kind in China.

Afterward, the firm persistently refined its machinery, striving for large-scale operations, heightened efficiency, and adherence to strict emission criteria. Progressing from 750 tons to 850 tons, then 900 tons, and presently reaching a formidable capacity of 1000 tons, SUS has secured a market share exceeding 40%. Rapidly ascending, it now stands as a frontrunner in waste-to-energy technology and apparatus.

Despite the accolades, Dr. Long remained forward-thinking, focusing on SUS Environment's next phase of growth. He set aside the applause, turning his attention to charting a new course in the waste-to-energy sector.

  ————  04 Low-Carbon Eco-Industrial Park: Fostering Circularity of Materials and Energy 

"Dr. Long Jisheng frequently underscores that SUS Environment is a firm dedicated to delivering top-notch services, with equipment acting as the conduit for these services. Our objective is to offer environmental management services to the community, which constitutes our forte and primary competitive edge," remarked Dr. Long Jisheng.

In 2014, he made a momentous decision: to cede majority ownership and bring in a strategic partner, CITIC Industrial Fund, via capital injection and equity expansion. His aim was for SUS to more effectively "collaborate in creating a cleaner and more environmentally friendly living environment." As for his personal stake in SUS, it held little significance to him.

In recent years, the growth rate and magnitude of China's waste-to-energy sector have surpassed his initial projections and expectations. Initially, he envisioned that waste-to-energy would represent 40% to 50% of waste management within two to three decades. However, he didn't anticipate that the current operational capacity would already surpass 50%. It's projected that by 2025, this proportion could reach 80% to 90%.

With the introduction of CITIC Industrial Fund, SUS Environment underwent a significant transformation. It evolved from being solely a waste-to-energy technology and equipment integrator to becoming a comprehensive environmental governance service provider, with waste-to-energy as its cornerstone. This transition reflects the company's commitment to better serve society and represents a crucial step towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Dr. Long Jisheng emphasized, "Just as the human body has arteries and veins, providing products serves as the arteries, transporting resources outward, while waste recycling acts as the veins, allowing resources to flow back." The concept of low-carbon eco-industrial parks, also known as "circular economy parks," revolves around the efficient circulation of materials and energy. Within these parks, waste heat generated from waste-to-energy processes can be repurposed for activities such as sludge drying, kitchen waste fermentation, and medical waste sterilization. Additionally, various combustible residues from solid waste treatment can be recycled back into the incinerator for combustion, generating thermal energy and achieving a circular utilization of materials and energy.

The projects in Zhuhai and Ningbo served as experimental grounds for SUS Environment. In these projects, SUS Environment undertook the planning and construction of waste-to-energy plants alongside kitchen waste treatment facilities and catering waste treatment plants. Presently, the company is also in the process of planning sludge treatment facilities and medical waste treatment plants. This initiative aims to establish a dual circulation system of materials and energy centered around waste-to-energy plants.

He envisions these parks as harmonious communities that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. Beyond their primary functions, these parks take into account various factors that harmonize with the local environment and cultural heritage. For instance, they feature deindustrialized facade designs that blend seamlessly with the local environment and historical background, as well as open incineration museums and sports facilities. Additionally, these parks host environmental education programs, family days, photography events, and other activities, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The freely accessible fitness and leisure facilities within the factory area also benefit the surrounding residents.

"We've transformed the park into a verdant garden, a circular economy hub, and a harmonious community seamlessly woven into the surrounding environment, changing the original 'NIMBY' sentiment to 'PIMBY' (Please In My Backyard). Following the success in Zhuhai and Ningbo, SUS Environment's industrial parks have proliferated across the country, sprouting up in cities like Qingdao, Shenyang, Taiyuan, Xi'an, Wuhan, Nanchang, and more. Presently, SUS Environment oversees over 60 waste-to-energy projects nationwide, collectively processing over 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day, representing approximately 10% of the national total."

The partnership between SUS Environment and CITIC Industrial Fund has yielded remarkable success. Shanghai Industrial Holdings and Ningbo Urban Development, among other investors, have shown great confidence in SUS Environment's overall capabilities and future growth potential, joining as new shareholders in 2020. Recognizing SUS Environment's achievements, Harvard Business School chose its successful case studies for inclusion in its curriculum during the autumn semester of 2021.

After three decades of nurturing his environmental dream, it has finally found firm footing in China.

  ————  05 "Embarking on an Internationalization Journey" 

Due to continuous innovation and extensive implementation, China's waste-to-energy technology has reached global standards, surpassing other regions worldwide in scale. Dr. Long Jisheng humorously noted, "In the past, discussions about navies focused on the U.S. Navy and navies elsewhere. Now, when it comes to waste-to-energy, it's either China or non-China countries. The stage is set for Chinese technology to make a global impact!"

Another significant factor is that although the global population has surpassed 7 billion, only around 2 billion individuals currently have access to waste-to-energy solutions. Extending advanced environmental technology and principles to every part of the globe is crucial for achieving genuine sustainable development worldwide, fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, and represents a practical step towards realizing a shared future for all mankind.

Dr. Long Jisheng views the global expansion of China's waste-to-energy sector akin to the transformative impact of China's high-speed rail on developing nations. Remarkably, the domestic production rate of waste-to-energy technology surpasses that of high-speed rail. Both technologies exemplify China's significant contributions to global progress and the collective welfare of humanity.

For decades, high-speed rail technology was predominantly utilized in Europe and Japan, posing cost challenges for many developing nations. However, China's success in domestic production and widespread adoption transformed the landscape. Suddenly, developing countries could afford it, and even established players like Europe and Japan adjusted prices to remain competitive. This mirrors the trajectory of waste-to-energy technology adoption.

Firstly, China's advancements in waste-to-energy technology and equipment production substantially decreased construction and operational costs, slashing subsidies per ton of waste from hundreds to tens of dollars. This cost reduction rendered the Chinese waste-to-energy model feasible for adoption in developing countries. Secondly, developing nations often share similarities in environmental conditions and waste characteristics with China, further facilitating the applicability of Chinese waste-to-energy solutions. Lastly, China's extensive experience in adapting waste-to-energy technologies to suit the specific needs of developing countries, such as dealing with high moisture content and low calorific value waste, enhances the suitability and effectiveness of these technologies in such contexts.

By 2025, SUS Environment aims to extend its achievements beyond China's borders by establishing a global presence. Collaborating with partners in France, the company intends to expand its operations into Europe and Africa. Additionally, SUS Environment is actively pursuing opportunities in the Southeast Asian market. This region offers significant potential, particularly with the rapid growth of waste-to-energy initiatives in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Moreover, emerging interest in waste-to-energy projects is observed in nations like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Myanmar, presenting further avenues for expansion.

"SUS Environment remains committed to fostering additional achievements abroad, aiming to elevate waste-to-energy as another prominent hallmark of China on the international stage."

  ———— 06 "Through thorns and brambles, we thrive towards the sun."

In the span of thirty years, Dr. Long Jishi has transitioned from an individual with budding environmental interests to the founder of SUS Environment, a company that now holds over 10% of China's waste-to-energy investment market share, placing it among the top three in the industry. Additionally, SUS Environment commands around 40% of the sales market share for technological equipment in China. Over this time, Dr. Long has observed China's waste-to-energy sector evolve from its early stages to emerge as a global frontrunner.

Despite his distinguished achievements, Dr. Long's commitment to progress remains undimmed.  Though his hair may have turned gray, his spirit embodies the boundless enthusiasm of a young explorer, forever driven by the pursuit of knowledge and positive impact.

Dr. Long's unwavering dedication is encapsulated in his inspiring statement: "Those who fight on remain forever young. Our mission is to persistently transform waste into treasure for the world."