Ningbo is among the second group of 45 national models for sustainable development, the city's development and reform commission revealed yesterday.

In the past five years, Ningbo invested 40.3 billion yuan (US$6.2 billion) in 120 ecological restoration projects, cleaned up 480 polluted rivers, and established 120 protected zones around reservoirs to ensure the safety of drinking water. It also banned fireworks in 1,083 square kilometers of area and took 110,000 dirty vehicles off roads.

Ningbo now has four districts and counties, 96 towns, and two villages that were named national models for sustainable development. The city government will introduce more projects in the next five years to promote waste recycling, cut carbon emissions, and introduce third-party organizations to tackle pollution.