Seoul City is gearing up to demonstrate its innovative and ambitious green policies to mark the opening of a global environment conference to highlight the city’s commitment to fighting climate change.

The city has announced it would employ an environmentally friendly transportation system and enforce the use of green products during the International Council for Local Environment Initiative World Congress 2015, themed “Sustainable Solution for an Urban Future.” The conference will run from April 8-12.

The city will use green buses and electric taxis to transport visitors between conference venues for free, according to Seoul City officials. The buses, using environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas, are known for being fuel-efficient and emitting fewer pollutants. 

The city replaced all of its buses with CNG buses by 2014 in a project that began in 2002. A total of 7,500 city buses were replaced.

“Those 7,500 buses will demonstrate the city’s commitment to addressing climate change. We plan to give visitors an opportunity to take a ride and see what it is like,” said a city official.

Another green transportation experience will be offered through electric taxis. The city plans to have two available for visitors starting Wednesday. Since September, the city has provided 10 environmentally friendly taxis to local taxi business operators.

“If required, we are planning to put extra electric taxis on the street. We are trying to find ways to provide more access to the taxis,” said a city official.

The conference will become a venue for Seoul’s green initiative. The city mandated that all attendants must use environmentally friendly products during the meeting. Attendants will be advised against using disposable cups and hard-copy handouts. Instead, they must carry tumblers and download handouts via smartphones.

The city also plans to plant trees to counter carbon emissions generated during the conference.

The event will take place at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, one of Seoul’s landmark buildings located in downtown Seoul. The city will designate a vehicle-free area near the building on Friday between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where it will host various events to celebrate the occasion.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)