Led by Dr Meili Feng, Associate Professor in Environmental Sciences, and supported by the UNNC Low-Carbon Economy & Tech Innovation Research Center and the UNNC-NFTZ Blockchain Lab, the visit offered first-hand insight into how agricultural technology can drive the green transition. The activity was supported by the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility “GEF-7: Green and Carbon-Neutral Cities Project.”

Stepping into a future without soil or sunlight, participants observed vegetables growing under spectral-tuned LED lights in vertical stacks. They learned about a fully digital, smart plant factory by using LED lighting, vertical farming, precision nutrition, environmental control, and mechanical design, a systematic pursuit of near-zero carbon footprint—using less than 5% of the water consumed in traditional farming while minimizing emissions from production to consumption.

“I never imagined farming could be like this,” shared one student. Malesela Mafokoane, a Chemical Engineering PhD candidate described the visit as “a perfect blend of professional insight and hands-on fun,” witnessing how innovation is reshaping a low-carbon future. A community participant, Ms. Wang, noted that such activities help bridge the gap between academic research, industry, and public awareness of carbon neutrality.

As part of UNNC’s commitment to integrating research with public engagement, the visit included a roundtable on topics about high-tech agriculture, energy, carbon-neutral, sustainable food systems. These dialogues fostered a multi-stakeholder perspective and strengthened ties among academia, industry, and the public.

This initiative is also aligned with UNNC’s GEF-7-funded “Ningbo Carbon Neutrality Implementation Pathway” study, led by Professor Tao Wu. The project aims to develop a scientifically grounded, locally adapted roadmap for Ningbo’s transition toward carbon neutrality, combining policy research, pilot demonstrations, and public participation.

By linking hands-on education with strategic research, the Faculty continues to build platforms that connect technology, policy, and community—turning the vision of a sustainable, low-carbon future into tangible, shared progress.