Partner Country Series - Energy Use in the Chinese Building Sector

Energy and environmental impacts associated with the building sector in the People's Republic of China are significant, representing nearly 16% of total global final energy consumption in buildings. China has experienced unprecedented economic growth and buildings construction since 2000. There is a unique opportunity to drive investments with technological and policy initiatives leading the way towards a more sustainable buildings sector that can offset expected energy consumption growth. While China’s energy consumption per capita is still low by global standards, the total impact of energy use and emissions in the buildings sector – on the Chinese economy, on local air quality and health, and on the overall well-being of China’s population – is nevertheless significant, and there are increased pressures to pursue a more sustainable pathway.