The building uses triple-glazed windows to save energy and houses innovative displays such as one explaining about aquaponic growing methods. It also hosts regular lectures and clinics on green initiatives. Photos provided to China Daily

Among its displays, one focusing on aquaponic growing methods - a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics - stands out. It also chimes with the building's exterior, where a small bonsai tree sits atop a fish tank.

Inch grew up on Canada's west coast, majored in Asia-Pacific Studies and made his first trip to China in 2003. He spent five months at the city's China Europe International Business School as an exchange student to complete his MBA program. When his time was up, he found he didn't want to leave.

"It was the best place of opportunity I could find in the world," he said. "I saw construction everywhere, business happening seven days a week."

During the last decade he has experienced the highs and lows and living in a dynamic urban hub with an ever-shifting landscape amid rapid growth.

"One of the negatives that I found is the pollution in the air. It is bothering me more and more," he said. "The longer I live here, the more often I have breathing problems. I began to worry about the air quality issue and what I can do about it."

He began to get more involved five years ago and started brushing up on what are now his pet topics: pollution and sustainability.

At the time, he was working with electric appliance maker Honeywell, where he studied about environmental technology and dreamed of ways to help China turn over a new leaf.

Shortly after this he served as an independent business consultant and wrote two books: Supertrends of Future China, and China's Economic Supertrends.