China's commitment to sustainable development brings both challenges and opportunities for cities and local communities.

Speaking at the "China Redesign" launch ceremony on March 28, Former UK prime minister Tony Blair praised China's 12th Five-year Plan (2011 to 2015), which highlights the development of China's green economy by setting a target of 11% improvement in building energy efficiency and a 40% emissions reduction target.

By establishing these goals, Blair said, China set a "great" example for other countries, particularly developing nations. Blair also said he believed that China has an opportunity to lead the world in carbon-neutral growth, and its cities are where the foundations for green growth will be laid.

"The decisions made and actions taken by China now will shape the course of the 21st Century," Blair said.

Blair said developing "low carbon economies" in China's cities requires participation of three key drivers – governments at all levels, business both domestic and aboard and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

First, the government should set targets on energy intensity and renewable energy backed up by locally-designed regulations and incentives. Secondly, cities can actively cultivate low-carbon businesses within their jurisdiction as part of economic restructuring drives. Finally, NGOs, philanthropic funders, academic institutions and foreign governments should play a key role in supporting the initial evolution of low carbon strategies in the leading cities.

"[China's] sustainable and responsible low carbon development, which will benefit the whole world, should incorporate all of the ingredients required for success – technology, planning, finance and so forth," Blair said.

The term "low carbon city" was first publicly proposed in China at the 2008 National Harmonious City Forum in Beijing. Subsequently, research into carbon-neutral urban development has expanded rapidly throughout the country.

Early mover cities sought to grow their "Green GDPs" by establishing themselves as national "hubs" for specific low-carbon industries. For example, renewable energy technology was a focus for Baoding city in Hebei Province in the north of the country; as was green lighting for Nanchang in Jiangxi Province in the southeast. Xiamen City, a coastal port in Fujian Province, created a more comprehensive strategy encompassing green economic growth and efficient urban planning.

Shi Dinghuan, counselor of China's State Council, said China's economic growth too strictly follows the western development model, carrying the consequence of high energy consumption and environmental pollution.

"Cities in developed countries have finished their transformation from the old model to the environmentally-friendly type," Shi said. "It's no doubt that China, as a young developing country, needs to change, but its industrial restructuring will take a long time."

Shi urged Chinese cities to learn from their counterparts in developed countries.

"Western countries should give more support to [China] on green policy, city management and advanced technologies," Shi said.