> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Summary of Energy Efficiency in China's Buildings Sector ## Core Content This report provides an in-depth analysis of energy efficiency opportunities in China's buildings sector, focusing on policy development, implementation, and the potential for further improvements. It outlines the current state of energy efficiency in China, international trends, and specific policy opportunities that can be leveraged to achieve the country's climate goals, including peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving net zero emissions before 2060. ## Main Viewpoints - **Energy Efficiency Benefits**: Energy efficiency measures provide multiple benefits, including reduced energy bills, enhanced industrial competitiveness, lower grid investment, improved energy security, reduced emissions and pollution, job creation, increased property values, and broader economic growth. - **China's Progress**: Over the past two decades, China has made significant strides in energy efficiency, achieving an average annual reduction in primary energy intensity of nearly 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% between 2020 and 2025. However, the buildings sector has seen slower improvements, which are increasingly dependent on retrofitting. - **Energy Consumption Trends**: The buildings sector accounts for approximately 20% of China's total final energy consumption, around 23,000 petajoules. From 2010 to 2015, energy consumption grew at a similar rate to floor area, maintaining stable energy intensity. From 2015 to 2023, energy intensity improved by just over 0.5% annually. In 2024, energy intensity improvements slowed due to increased cooling demand and extreme weather. - **Electrification and Decarbonisation**: Electrification of the buildings sector, especially through heat pumps, has been a major driver of energy efficiency and decarbonisation. In 2024, electricity accounted for 47% of energy consumption in buildings, up from 22% in 2010. This rate is five times the global average. - **Policy Framework**: China has a long history of implementing energy efficiency policies for buildings, with a key milestone in the 2007 revision of the Energy Conservation Law and subsequent Five-Year Plans (FYP) from 2006 to 2020. These plans set specific targets for energy use per square metre and provided strategic guidance for policymakers. - **Building Codes and Standards**: China's building codes, such as GB 55015-2021, emphasize post-construction operational management, energy consumption measurement, and carbon emissions disclosure. The Green Building Evaluation Label (GBEL) serves as a national certification scheme for sustainable buildings. - **Retrofitting Initiatives**: The government has launched large-scale retrofitting programs, such as the Taiyuan city program, which focused on improving insulation, energy systems, and community engagement. These programs have led to significant energy savings and improved comfort levels. - **Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)**: Innovative PPP models, such as the one in Shenzhen, have been effective in mobilizing private capital and reducing risks for green building projects. - **Financial Incentives**: China has introduced various financial mechanisms, including subsidies, green loans, and insurance products, to support energy efficiency upgrades and urban renewal. The Peak Carbon Construction Pilot Scheme and the Implementation Plan for Promoting Equipment Renewal are recent examples. - **International Comparisons**: Globally, the buildings sector accounts for 30% of final energy consumption and 26% of energy-related emissions. While energy efficiency progress is expected to improve in 2025, it is still below the required rate to meet global commitments. China and India are showing stronger progress than the US and EU. ## Key Information ### Policy Opportunities - **Comprehensive Policy Package**: Encouraging energy efficiency through regulation, information, and incentives. - **Financial Mechanisms**: Incentivizing energy efficiency upgrades through subsidies, green loans, and insurance. - **Digital Integration**: Supporting buildings to interact with power grids and benefit from digital tools. - **Adaptability and Holistic Approach**: Policies should be adaptable to local contexts and consider socio-economic factors. - **Strategic Planning and Multi-stakeholder Collaboration**: Integration into existing policy processes and coordination between government and other stakeholders is crucial for effective implementation. ### Retrofitting Potential - **Key Technologies**: Wall and roof insulation, waterproofing, basement insulation, and window and door replacement. - **Implementation Mechanisms**: Risk-sharing models, community engagement, and financial support through public-private partnerships. ### Financial Incentives - **Subsidy Fund for Affordable Housing Projects in Urban Areas**: Supports energy conservation renovations, especially in northern heating regions. - **Subsidy Fund for Energy Conservation and Carbon Emissions Reduction**: Provides financial assistance to reduce energy use and emissions. - **Peak Carbon Construction Pilot Scheme**: Focuses on refining financial mechanisms for green development. - **Green Insurance**: Qingdao's green insurance mechanism has been effective in providing financial security for energy-efficient projects. ### Data and Targets - **Total Final Energy Consumption**: In 2024, buildings accounted for ~20% of China's total final energy consumption. - **Energy Intensity**: Average annual improvement of ~0.5% from 2015 to 2023, with a spike in 2024 due to cooling demand. - **Key Targets for 2025**: - 350 million m² of energy-saving retrofits in existing buildings. - 50 million m² of ultra-low-energy and near-zero-energy buildings. - 30% of new urban construction to be prefabricated. - 50 million KW of newly added solar PV installed capacity on buildings. - 100 million m² of newly added geothermal energy application area. - 8% renewable energy substitution rate in urban buildings. - 55% share of electricity in total building energy use. ## Conclusion The report highlights that China has a strong foundation for improving energy efficiency in its buildings sector, but further action is needed to meet its climate goals and deliver socio-economic benefits. Retrofitting existing buildings, promoting electrification, and leveraging innovative financial tools are key strategies. The report also emphasizes the importance of a holistic and adaptable policy approach, as well as multi-stakeholder collaboration, to ensure the success of these initiatives.