China is targeting construction projects, the transport sector
and government buildings to cut energy consumption.
Under heavy pressure to reduce the use of energy, the National
People's Congress (NPC) yesterday began deliberating a draft
amendment to the Law on Conserving Energy. The law details the
measures to avoid wasteful use of energy in the three areas and how
to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Under the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10), China has pledged to
cut energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) by
20 percent, or 4 percent each year. The consumption, however, fell
by only 1.23 percent last year.
"Achieving the target is highly problematic since energy
consumption in some areas and industries just keeps rising," Fu
Zhihuan, chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee of the
NPC, the country's top legislature, told lawmakers in a report.
Energy consumption, especially in the three areas, has been
rising rapidly and is the "weak link" in China's energy-saving
campaign, he said.
Official statistics show that in 2005, 27.5 percent of China's
energy consumption was in the construction sector, with
transportation accounting for 16.3 percent and government
buildings, 6.7 percent.
The draft, tabled for first reading in the NPC, says
construction projects must reach obligatory energy-saving standards
and existing buildings and plants will be subjected to regular
inspections by building authorities. Also, a modern household
heating system will replace the antiquated central heating network.
The new system will enable people to regulate the supply and save
precious energy that is now wasted because of the continuous
24-hour supply.
Other energy saving measures include strict control of indoor
temperature in public buildings and restrictions on decorative
lighting for large structures.
The draft requires governments at all levels to increase
investment in public transport, improve services and encourage
people to use public transport.
Energy efficiency in the industrial sector, too, has been
highlighted in the draft. It says China will continue to push
forward industrial restructuring and technical innovation to
gradually weed out outdated production methods.
(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2007)
