From China Dialogue:
The buildings sector is responsible for around one-third of global energy use and associated carbon dioxide emissions. In 2004, China was responsible for 15% of world energy consumption and associated emissions. Residential and commercial buildings account for one-quarter of China’s total energy consumption and around 27% of the country’s electricity consumption. Overall, buildings are responsible for around 18% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in China.
China constructs more than 2 billion square metres of floor area annually – higher than any other country in the world. Every year, housing construction consumes 20% of China’s steel output and 17.6% of cement production. At the same time, demand for energy in the buildings sector will rise sharply as standards of living increase. China’s gross domestic product per capita is expected to reach US$3,000 by 2020 (US$10,000 in terms of purchasing power parity). The buildings sector accounts for 40% of energy consumption in OECD countries, which suggests a considerable increase in energy demand from China in coming decades. [Full Text]
[Image source: China Dialogue]
