Green Agenda for China's Real Estate Industry

2007-04-23 10:18:52 [ Big Normal Small ]    　Comment

In the recently-concluded Boao Forum for Asia, various figures sat down together to discuss the green agenda for China's real estate industry. April 22 2007 [Photo: CRI]


With the booming of the real estate industry in China, concerns are being raised concerning its impact on the environment and energy consumption. In the recently-concluded Boao Forum for Asia, various figures sat down together to discuss the green agenda for China's real estate industry.

When talking about the real estate industry in China, conversation usually turns to concern over a suspected overheating market and rocketing housing prices. However, an emerging topic has been attracting more and more attention. That is: how can we develop the industry in a more energy-efficient manner.

In a small seminar under the Boao Forum for Asia, the green agenda for China's real estate industry was put in the spotlight.

Pan Shiyi is the Chairman of SOHO China, a Beijing-based property developer.

"According to my understanding, the so-called "green real estate industry" refers to an ideal process of sustainable development. I think the most important thing to achieve this aspiration is scientific city planning, along with reasonable architectural design and the adoption of low-energy-consuming materials and equipment throughout the construction process."

The Chinese government has issued a new energy standard to promote a green model for the real estate industry. Following this standard, the cost of every square meter will rise 100-150 yuan, through the use of improved materials and equipment.

When asked about whether the rising costs will hinder real estate developers in building energy-efficient buildings, Pan Shiying said:

"Certainly, it will. Businessmen will definitely be concerned about costs. So there needs to be a mechanism that disperses the rising costs among customers，real estate developers and the government. I think it will help the industry to pursue greener development."

Ma Yansong, the founder of the MAD Architectural office said his office has designed many models, keeping the idea of energy efficiency in mind. However, though few of them have had the chance to be put into practice, he believes that, aside from the appliance of technology, the overall idea of pursuing a greener development in architecture is essential.

"I think the green idea in real estate cannot be limited to a single building. It refers to the overall process of urban planning, including the design density and building activity in any given city. I know it takes time, so I worry whether there will immediately be any developer willing to start building an ideal green building. If there is, it will, I believe, offer a good model for the whole society to adopt green ideas."

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