Beijing plans new energy-efficiency standards

New design standards for residential buildings that aim to save energy will be released in the third quarter in Beijing.

The standards "will be put into effect soon after the release, putting Beijing ahead of other cities in China in building energy efficiency", said Liu Xiaoqun, an official in charge of building energy conservation at the Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, on Tuesday.

Under the standard, new and existing residential buildings in Beijing should cut energy consumption per unit area by 75 percent from the standard implemented in 1980.

"The municipal government has taken comprehensive measures to reduce energy consumption, such as reconstruction of existing residential buildings in 2012, and promoting the concentrated use of solar water heaters in 2011," Liu said.

"Thanks to the good performance of thermal insulation in these structures, residents can pay less for heating in winter."

Energy-efficient buildings account for more than 77 percent of all residential structures in Beijing.

The central government has allocated 1.98 billion yuan ($312 million) for reconstructing existing residential buildings covering the three years starting in 2011.

More funds will be allocated for this program.