Energy efficiency in buildings in China: Policies, barriers and opportunities

Abstract

"China's rising energy demands that are required for its booming economy have made the country one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. The Chinese building sector substantially contributes to the country's CO2emissions. Chinese policy makers have realized that enhancing energy efficiency in buildings (EEB) is a promising approach with regard to combining further economic growth with less energy consumption and environmental impact. They have enacted a wide range of policies to foster energy efficiency within the building sector. While the policies can theoretically unfold a great energy saving potential, their implementation has been weak so far. This study analyzes the existing policies and measures in place in order to promote EEB and examines promoting factors as well as barriers for the implementation of EEB policies. The study comes to the conclusion that the determinants of successful EEB policy implementation in China arise in the fields: legal environment and enforcement, economic parameters for investment, informational and lifestyle aspects as well as the specific organization of the value chain in the housing sector." (author's abstract)