Skip to Content

Third Parties in the Implementation of Building Energy Codes in China

In recent years, China has been adding 1.6 to 2.0 billion square meters of new residential and commercial buildings each year, making it the largest market for new construction in the world. Though…

In recent years, China has been adding 1.6 to 2.0 billion square meters of new residential and commercial buildings each year, making it the largest market for new construction in the world. Though the enforcement of China’s building energy codes has been widely viewed as fraught with challenges, in recent years China has seemingly achieved  unusual progress in improving its compliance rate at both design and construction stages. According to China’s annual national inspection of building energy efficiency in urban areas, the compliance rates with building energy codes at both design and construction stages in urban areas have improved from 53% (design) and 21% (construction) in 2005 to 99.5% and 95.4%, respectively, in 2010.

What is the definition of the compliance rate in China’s enforcement of building energy codes? If the improvement data are accurate, how is it that China has been able to bring about such impressive improvements in only five years? This report will try to answer the above questions, with a focus on the role of third parties in the implementation of building energy codes. The report concludes that strong governmental support and effective employment of third parties coupled with strict quality control and supervision are the key factors for China’s impressive improvement of compliance with building energy codes.

 

Related Resources

Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
equity
  • Research Report
  • Affordability and Energy Equity
  • Energy Efficiency Policy
  • Homes and Buildings
  • Utilities and the Power Sector
  • Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

    Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.

    Jul 31, 2026

    Efficiency Saves: Cutting Energy Waste Can Save $31,000 per Household
    An Indian couple sitting on a couch looking at energy bills.
  • Research Report
  • Energy Efficiency Policy
  • Homes and Buildings
  • Efficiency Saves: Cutting Energy Waste Can Save $31,000 per Household

    The United States faces interlocking energy challenges: rising home energy bills and gasoline prices; new demand for electricity from data centers and other loads; high greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. 

    Now, a new era of energy efficiency progress in our buildings, transportation, and industry is needed to meet this moment. This wide-ranging study finds a massive opportunity.

    Jul 27, 2026

    Support the Work That Makes Energy Go Further

    ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.