Wuhan residents offset loan interest with eco-credits

To encourage low-carbon lifestyles, Wuhan, Hubei province, allows residents to offset bank loan interest payments with carbon credits earned by eco-friendly moves.

Wei Ying, a local commuter, has become the first resident to benefit, as reported by Hubei Daily on Sunday. By accumulating 45,000 grams of carbon emission reductions through daily green activities, she recently offset 90 yuan ($12) in her monthly mortgage interest.

The interest-offset program runs from March 1 to Dec 31 this year and is powered by "Wutanjianghu," a carbon-inclusive mini-program launched in June 2023, it reported.

Over 1.5 million Wuhan residents have registered for a personal carbon account. The accounts obtain carbon credits automatically when users practice eco-friendly habits such as riding public transit, cycling, or saving electricity.

For instance, each bus ride generates 212.5 grams of carbon savings per kilometer, each subway ride generates 78.4 grams per kilometer, and each bicycle ride generates 93.3 grams per kilometer.

Users can convert these savings into shopping coupons or reductions in loan interest via the China Minsheng Bank mini-program or app, with 1,000 grams equaling 2 yuan.

"It's not a huge sum," Wei said as quoted. "But the idea of earning money by riding the subway or biking is really satisfying."

"It's a good way to relieve traffic congestion and provide a model for other cities," commented one netizen.