Extract

With forecasts of global energy shortages and evidence for severe environmental imbalances, it has been a global consensus to take action regarding climate change; energy-saving and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction are amongst the issues receiving most attention in agenda setting for environmental protection and the development of a sustainable society. As a developing country in its fast-growing economic period, China faces great challenges relating to energy and the environment. Currently, the level of energy consumption in the building sector ranks second only to industry energy consumption, and it is forecast to rise. The high priority given to programmes and projects to reduce energy and water use on university campuses in China is determined by several factors, including the fact that Chinese universities provide housing to all their students, per capita energy and water consumption levels are significantly higher on campuses than in households, the number of universities and students is steadily growing and the educational influence potential is significant.