Green building solutions for energy efficiency

By Deborah Lehr, and Leigh Wedell as featured on China Daily

China can slash harmful emissions - while boosting savings and health - by using more advanced technology

US President Barack Obama again praised the landmark China-US climate deal in his State of Union address. China's extensive coal-burning factories and auto emissions are widely blamed for the poor quality air in the country, but one important sector is often overlooked - its runaway real estate sector.

A staggering 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings, and China's rapid economic growth and ambitious urbanization plans have spurred equally rapid construction. Within China's reach is one of the biggest levers to limit carbon emissions, that is, improving energy efficiency in new and existing buildings.