Impact of urbanization on building energy consumption and the role of BEE design codes in China: A position statement

The purpose of this paper is to trace the connection between China's growth and urbanization processes and the amount of building space that is being constructed.

Buildings consume energy and are not always built with subsequent efficient use of energy in mind. China's building industry is estimated to account for over a quarter of the total energy consumed in China.

Such a massive use of the energy resource has prompted China's authorities to consider policies that will promote greater building energy efficiency.

The paper provides an important update as to how China is addressing energy efficiency in one of its key industrial sectors.