Low-carbon emission and technological innovation will be the focus of Beijing Central Business District's development during the 12th Five-Year period. This was announced at the opening ceremony of the Beijing CBD International Business Festival held in Beijing on Sept. 15, 2011.

The festival, with themes of green technology and environmental leadership, displayed the achievements during "11th Five-Year" (2006-2010) period in Beijing CBD, Chaoyang District, and introduced the development strategy of the "12th Five-Year Plan."

Representatives from China International Futures Co. Ltd., Tsinghua University and 13 other companies responsible for developing the Beijing CBD Core Area were invited to the opening ceremony to sign the Letter of Commitment for Low-carbon CBD with green buildings.

By signing the letter, companies made a joint commitment to build Beijing CBD Core Area into "a model area for Beijing and other places in China in terms of environmental protection by constructing green buildings with low carbon emission."

The companies also promised to adhere to the LEED Green Building Rating System for Core and Shell Development (LEED-CS) and achieve a three-star or gold standard by carefully choosing environmental friendly materials and utilizing renewable energy such as recycled water and other energy-saving technologies.

The 11th Beijing CBD International Business Festival coincides with the World Business District Network Summit, a global organization launched by business districts from different countries to promote sustainable development. The leadership position of the organization rotates among its members, and Beijing CBD is the current chairman.

The events of the festival will include a culture industry summit, a roundtable for commercial counselors of various embassies and an international culture and design fair.

"Beijing CBD core area has become a pacesetter in China's sustainable development," Wu Guiying, Standing member of Chaoyang District Committee, said during a speech following the opening ceremony.

She said the district has become a hub for international finance and high-end business services, and it is further developing its focuses in culture and media industries.

Beijing's first CBD International Business Festival was held in 2000. Since then, the event has become a major site of exchanges between cities, business districts, governments, and industries.

It has also become a platform to showcase major achievements by Chaoyang District, Beijing CBD and their potential for continued development.