China Puts Energy Efficiency and Conservation into Play

Cutting China’s energy intensity index by more than 5 percent over the next three years may seem a daunting task. But a nation-wide energy-efficiency and conservation campaign is helping China achieve its 2010 goals by shifting energy use to the forefront of public awareness.

Having pledged 41.8 billion yuan (USD 6 billion) to the cause this year, the Chinese government has deigned responsible energy use a national priority, and called for all citizens to participate in energy conservation and emissions reduction.

Government-subsidized programs are part of the strategy. Since June 15 the government has been selling compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) to Beijing residents for 1-yuan each (USD 0.15) – 10 percent of the wholesale price. The campaign target of 5 million CFLs sold by the start of the Olympics could save 200 million KW/h of power a year and around 120 million yuan (USD 17.5 million) in electricity bills says Yang Zhihui, head of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Environment and Resources Utilization Division.

Other measures include air conditioning temperature limits in public buildings; promotion of reusable shopping bags and chopsticks; and a relaxed work dress code to allow cooler clothing during the summer.

In the second phase of the campaign the government will develop an accountability system for energy conservation, and target local governments who have failed to meet annual conservation targets.