Improving Energy-Efficiency in Public Buildings in China: Challenges and Solutions

Buildings are important contributors to total energy consumption accounting for around 30 per cent of all energy consumed in China. Of this, around two-fifths are consumed within urban homes, one-fifth within public buildings, and two-fifths within rural area. From the perspective of improving energy efficiency, the public sector is a very important one: it is perhaps the one housing the highest cost-effective opportunities for the reduction of energy consumption. At present, energy management in the public sector is a particular priority in China. This paper begins with an overview of the energy performance in public buildings. Specific barriers to improved energy efficiency in public buildings are discussed based on economic analysis. Policy instruments presently applied or planned in China for fostering energy efficiency in public buildings are described finally.