Two boats which will be used during the 2010 World Expo to provide security on the water wait to be put into service yesterday at Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. The RIB36 series boats made by Alpha Boat Manufacture (Zhoushan) Co Ltd are equipped with radar, sonar and global positioning systems.
Visitors to the ZED (zero fossil energy developments) Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 won't go hungry -- not only the food on offer, but also the plates, forks and knives will be edible.
The pavilion unveiled its design plan yesterday as the first zero-carbon emission building on China's mainland with various innovative ideas to demonstrate the country's cutting-edge achievements in environmental protection.
"It sounds funny that visitors can eat their plates and other tableware, but actually they are seriously reducing carbon emissions," said Chen Shuo, chief of the pavilion.
Chen said that besides the special dining hall, the pavilion also has an auditorium powered by solar energy and uses a refraction system to light the hall.
Visitors will also find a bar at the pavilion that provides beverages, but they will have to return the bottles after they finish drinking. The bottles will be used as decorations in the bar with various light effects.
Another highlight at the pavilion is its carbon emission calculating system available at interactive devices.
Visitors can type in information including their names, the distance they have traveled and the means of transport and the system will then calculate their carbon emission.
"The system is meant to inform visitors that they may dramatically reduce carbon emissions by taking public transport instead of private cars," said Chen.
The four-floor pavilion in the Urban Best Practices Area of the Expo site will be one of the pavilions to be preserved after the World Expo.
It will continue to serve as a display center for the country's achievements in zero-carbon emissions.
