Navigating Standards and Financing Mechanisms in China
Since the inaugural Chinese Design Standards for Civil Buildings in 1986, China’s approach to energy efficiency and carbon emissions in the building sector has evolved significantly. The trajectory was markedly influenced by the National Standard of Green Buildings Assessment and other policies, reflecting China’s commitment to curbing carbon emissions, especially in the building sector which is a significant energy consumer and emitter.
China’s Pledge and Potential
At the COP 21 in Paris, China pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions around 2030, targeting early achievements in this domain. Buildings, accounting for over 20% of China’s total energy consumption and approximately 19% of its carbon emissions, stand at the center of this commitment. Data from 2018 showed a decline in carbon emissions per unit area in residential and public buildings, indicating progress in energy efficiency.
Advancements in Standards
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MoHURD) launched the Technical Standards for Nearly Zero Energy Building in 2019, setting differentiated energy consumption control indicators for various climate zones in China. This initiative, part of a broader push, aims for 50% of new buildings to achieve at least one star in the green building certification by 2020, as outlined in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The Role of Green Building Evaluation
The Green Building Evaluation system, evolving over time, now includes indicators like convenience for inhabitants and innovation. The plan also sets ambitious targets for retrofitting existing buildings for energy savings and increasing the share of renewable energy in urban areas.
Carbon Emission Calculation Standard
MoHURD’s National Calculation Standard for Building’s Carbon Emission, effective from December 2019, guides the calculation of carbon emissions across different phases of building life cycles, promoting energy-saving and carbon reduction from the design stage.
Financing Mechanisms and Subsidies
The financing models for energy-efficient projects include government subsidies, Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), self-financing by developers or owners, and bank loans. Notable is the government’s role in subsidizing retrofitting projects and the support for key cities in this transformation. Financial institutions like the Bank of Beijing and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank have developed specialized programs to support green building projects, demonstrating an increasing focus on sustainable financing.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, challenges remain, such as aligning owner and occupier incentives, raising awareness, and overcoming the financial and physical constraints of retrofitting. The shift from government-funded incentives to market-driven mechanisms, as seen in the phase-out of EPC incentive funds, marks a significant transition towards sustainable financial models in the building sector.
China’s journey towards energy-efficient buildings is marked by evolving regulatory standards and innovative financing mechanisms. The commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the building sector reflects a broader ambition to achieve sustainable urban development, aligning with global climate goals and fostering economic and environmental resilience. The ongoing efforts to retrofit existing buildings and the push for nearly zero energy standards in new constructions are pivotal to China’s sustainable urbanization strategy, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
