Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off

  The thermal performance trade-off of building and building enclosure shall be based on the index of heat loss of building.

• Performance Codes for Refurbishments
• Performance Codes for New Builds
• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building

  The standard allows a simulated ‘custom budget’ approach (reference building) to show compliance. Whereby a building is deemed to meet the standard so long as its calculated building energy use is below that of a reference building. This “custom budget” approach is similar to that used in US standards such as ASHRAE 90.1, and differs from the “fixed budget” approach used in several other Asian countries.

• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame
• Final Energy

  Partially, the custom budget method is used during the design stage. The energy used in the simulation is based on site energy.

• Primary Energy
• Life Cycle Assessment considered (embedded energy)

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  The heat source mode and equipments for central heating and air conditioning system in residential building should be determined by technical economical analysis according to the composite factors such as local resources condition, environmental protection, energy efficiency and heating affordable capacity of users.

• Cooling

  The cold source mode and equipment for central air conditioning systems in residential buildings should be determined by technical economical analysis according to the composite factors such as local resources condition, environmental protection and energy efficiency.

• Dehumidification
• Ventilation

  Ventilation equipement must meet the efficiency requirements outlined in relevant applicable standards, for example, "The minimum allowable values of the energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for room air conditioners" GB 12021.3 and "The minimum allowable values of the energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for variable speed room air conditioners" GB 21455.

• Airtightness

  Partially, air-tightness requirements for windows and door components, no overall air leakage value and no mandatory blower door test.

• Thermal bridging

  Partially, the code proposes a new assessment index of thermal bridge affects for different thermal insulation structures.

• Hot water

  Minimum design efficiencies for boilers, electric boilers not encouraged and in most cases restricted.Piping insulation requirements. In indoor Heating System, hot water shall be used as heating agent.

• Technical installations
• Lighting

  Partially, no specific lighting efficiency requirements, Lighting is not part of China’s design standards for energy efficiency in residential buildings, which are focused on the building envelope and HVAC. China issued the Standard for Lighting Design in Buildings in 2004; this standard covers energy efficiency design issues for lighting in residential, commercial and industrial buildings

• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building

  In the overall layout of building complex, the plane and vertical plane layout of single building, and the arrangement of door and window, using solar radiation in winter and avoiding the most frequent wind direction in winter should be considered. The building should be orientated at north/south, or approximate north/south.

• Heat recovery

  In the boiler room design, the residual heat generated by boilers shall be taken full advantage of.

• Passive solar

  Not known at this stage.

• Passive cooling

  Encouraged.

• Natural ventilation

  In the design of ventilation and air-conditioning system, combined with architecture design, the natural ventilation measures in seasons all the year around shall be determined; the indoor air flow organization should be arranged well to improve the natural ventilation efficiency and reduce the service time of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning.

• Solar protection

  Shading co-efficients apply depending on the WWR. Horizontal shading or mobile shading should be arranged for the external window (south orientation) of buildings in Cold (B) zone. The mobile shading should be arranged for external window of east/ west orientation. The shading coefficient of the external shading shall be determined according to Appendix D in the standard.

• Daylighting requirements

  No specific daylighting requirements.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  Partially, renewable energies shall be used actively if necessary for energy efficient design of HVAC systems, not mandatory.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  Enforcement by the local governments or Construction Commissions, the point of control in enforcing building energy standards is during design and construction, with non-compliance resulting in the building permit not being issued.
• Third party inspection
  An enforcement system relying on third party due diligence can work well but government oversight remains crucial.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control
  Not known at this stage.

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
  Not known at this stage.
• Post occupancy
  Not known at this stage.

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
• Inspection of boilers
  Depends on the local jurusdiction.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Depends on the local jurusdiction.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
  If the construction company fails to comply with mandatory provisions of the building energy codes, the company is required to correct its wrong doing and pay penalty of between 2% and 4% of the contract cost.
• Imprisonment
• Refusal of permission to occupy
  Refusal of permission to occupy, refusal of permission to construct.
• Refusal of permission to construct
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  For boilers only.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
• Training of Inspectors
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  China has not established an updating system to regularly review and update its codes.
• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance?

  Yes

Zero Energy Targets

• Are all end uses considered in the target?
• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB

  China is currently at the studying stage of these definitions and concepts.

• Special Requirements for public buildings

Supporting Measures

• Involvement of Stakeholders in the Development of Codes
• Supporting Labeling Schemes
• Supporting Certification Schemes