Firms to be fined for flouting rules
By Cao Li (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-06-02 06:05

SHANGHAI: Companies which build using banned materials face fines under new regulations issued by the local government to promote a greener environment in the city.

Existing buildings are being urged to adopt energy-saving measures and designs must meet relevant standards before they are issued construction permits, said Shanghai municipal government spokeswoman Jiao Yang.

Construction company

"Both the construction company and the government's quality supervision department have the responsibility to check the accomplishment of the energy efficiency facilities," said Jiao.

The Municipal Construction Commission will announce a list of energy-saving construction materials, facilities and relevant techniques, and encourage firms to adopt them.

The investor will share in the profits gained from energy-efficient reconstruction, the regulation claims.

The energy consumed by residential and public buildings takes 20 per cent of the city's total energy consumption and is growing by 1 per cent a year.

"On average, every square metre of residential buildings is using up three times as much energy as that in developed countries," said Jiao.

Power load

Last summer, Shanghai witnessed a peak power load of 15 million kilowatts, a third of which was used up by air-conditioners.

There has been speculation that at least 1 million kilowatts could be saved by improving the construction of walls, ceilings, windows and doors and air-conditioning systems.

"By improving heat insulation, lighting and ventilation systems, less energy will be needed," said Liu, an architect.

Jiao said the use of the new materials, facilities or techniques will increase building costs by 100 yuan (US$12) to 150 yuan (US$18) for every square metre of floor space.

But the extra cost will definitely be made up in about five to eight years, according to the spokeswoman.

(China Daily 06/02/2005 page3)