Future green for buildings - forum
- Source: Global Times
- [10:13 June 21 2010]
- Comments
By Ni Dandan
Increased public awareness of environmentally friendly building practices plus government subsidies to bring down costs are two suggestions that were made at a "green architecture" forum held at the Alsace Pavilion in the Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) at the Expo Park over the weekend.
"Buildings around the world contribute more than 30 percent of global energy consumption, while more than 25 percent of carbon dioxide emissions come from buildings," Steve Howard, CEO of the Climate Group, said at the forum.
The Alsace Pavilion itself is an example of a positive-energy building that produces more energy than it consumes through advanced insulation and solar panels. However, the building is also an example of the high cost of specialist materials used in such construction, with the glass used in its windows costing 2,000 yuan ($292) per square meter, more than three times the price of average sound-proof glass.
"The high cost has kept many average consumers at a distance," Yu Zheng, a visitor to the UBPA told the Global Times Sunday. "Although I find the idea of green architecture very interest-ing, it is out of my price range."
However, in the long-term, investing in such technology could save consumers and businesses money.
"A purchaser can recoup the additional cost within just a few years due to the savings in energy expenditure," said Tian Ming, president of Landsea Real Estate Group, who was a speaker at the forum. "Plus, energy prices are likely to rise continuously."
According to Tian, a green development path benefits both consumers, who can enjoy a more comfortable living, and real estate developers, who can realize sustainable growth.
Awareness among the general public is another hurdle to overcome. "If the general public's understanding of this sector is increased, the market will grow much faster," said Liao Xufa, deputy di-rector of the Economic Research Institute of Guosen Securities. "I think the government should play a key guiding role."
Xie Yuanjian, vice president of Landsea Real Estate Group, said government subsidies of green architecture technology will serve as a better motivation. "Purchasers of green apartments should be properly subsidized by the government," he said. "Meanwhile, the country should set higher energy charges."
According to a report by People's Daily, government-recognized construction of green architecture officially began in 2008. By the end of 2009, a total of 30 buildings in China had been officially recognized as using green architecture.
