Enforcing Building Energy Codes in China: Progress and Comparative Lessons

This Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) reports on China's progress with building energy code enforcement. With the world's fastest growing construction industry, the Chinese government has identified building energy efficiency as a critical need, particularly . Just as in the US, China is taking a two-pronged approach: 1) Adopt more stringent energy code requirements, and 2) Ensure that its enforcement infrastructure realizes the potential energy savings.

PNNL found that China has rapidly improved its enforcement process in major cities, but still lacked proper enforcement in rural areas. It also identified loopholes in its rating systems, inconsistency of software results, lack of access to training, and stronger energy code adoption.

PNNL also identified three lessons learned for the US: 1) expanded third-party enforcement, 2) the industrialization of construction practicies, and 3) the use of integrated design methods and compliance software.

You can access the full report on the PNNL website.