The analysis of energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings in China

Building energy consumption accounts for more than ¼ of total primary energy consumption in China, and is likely to increase to 35% by 2030 with the GHG produced in building sector of about 25%. Although Chinese government has issued many standards and codes in order to improve energy efficiency of the buildings, little effect has appeared – less than 6% of newly constructed buildings comply with these standard. Energy consumption per building in China is 2-3 times higher than that of the developed countries with similar climatic conditions, and it is less comfortable because of poor thermal performance and insulation in most of China’s buildings. This paper analyses the Chinese “Design Standard for Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings” and presents the case study in which the actual energy consumption and the energy consumption with the implementation of the Standards are compared. The paper also gives the suggestions for the Standard improvement in order to further reduce energy consumption for buildings. The suggestions described in the paper include the implementation of the renewable energy technologies on the building and the economic analysis results.