Zhangjiagang Public Transport Company was honored as a "national excellent enterprise of low carbon and green transportation," according to a meeting for promoting energy conservation and emission reduction among transportation enterprises.

Zhangjiagang started the "Blue Sky Project" in 2010 to replace the energy-inefficient and high-emission buses with low-carbon and green ones. To date, the city has a total of 160 new-energy buses, accounting for 21 percent of the total.

The new buses conserve energy with low emission rates and minimal noise. In 2013, the buses helped cut carbon dioxide emissions by 2,200 tons and reduce energy costs by more than 9 million yuan ($1.46 million).

To better save energy, each new bus has been equipped with a monitoring system that analyzes the driver's operation in order to improve his or her driving habits.

In addition, the public transport company has launched a system to reward those who save the most energy and penalize those who waste it. The system has raised drivers' awareness of energy conservation and proved to be a success. Last year, the company's fuel consumption was reduced by 400,000 kg while the natural gas consumption dropped by 490,000 kg.