The significance of the implementation of the "Public Building Energy Efficiency Design Standard" in 2025

: Promoting green transformation and enabling sustainable development

With global climate change intensifying and energy resources becoming increasingly scarce, energy conservation and emission reduction have become a core national development strategy. Shenzhen's "Public Building Energy-Saving Design Standard" (SJG 44-2025), which will take effect on October 1, 2025, is not only a significant milestone in the technological advancement of the construction industry but also a key initiative for achieving the nation's "dual carbon" goals, promoting high-quality economic development, and enhancing social well-being. This article analyzes its far-reaching significance from the perspectives of the country's current situation, economic, and social needs.

1. National Status: Responding to Energy Challenges and Helping Achieve the “Dual Carbon” Goals

Energy consumption and carbon emission pressure

Buildings in my country account for over 20% of total energy consumption. Public buildings, due to their large size and concentrated energy use, are a significant source of carbon emissions. Currently, China is fully committed to achieving its "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" goals, and the upgrade of public building energy-saving standards directly addresses this strategic imperative. By strictly controlling the thermal performance of building envelopes, improving equipment energy efficiency, and mandating the use of renewable energy (such as solar energy and air-source heat pumps), the new standards will significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions during building operations, providing technical support for cities' low-carbon transition.

Deepening implementation of policies and regulations

The new standard seamlessly integrates with the General Code for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Utilization in Buildings (GB 55015), further refining local requirements. For example, it requires that new public buildings reduce their carbon emission intensity by 40% compared to the 2016 standard and specifies tiered renewable energy utilization indicators (e.g., a utilization rate of ≥15% for buildings ≤24 meters in height). This not only fills gaps in local standards but also promotes the precise implementation of national energy conservation regulations.

2. Economic Demand: Stimulating Industrial Upgrading and Cultivating New Growth Points

Drive the development of the green industrial chain

The new standard sets clear requirements for high-efficiency air-conditioning systems, intelligent control technologies, and integrated photovoltaic designs, forcing the traditional building industry to transition toward greener and more intelligent designs. For example, the energy efficiency requirement for air-conditioning and refrigeration room systems has been raised to 5.0-5.5 (Table 5.2.11). This will drive market demand for high-efficiency equipment such as chillers and variable-frequency water pumps, and promote the research and development and industrial application of energy-saving technologies.

Reduce long-term operating costs

Operating energy consumption accounts for as much as 70% to 80% of the lifecycle costs of public buildings. The new standards can significantly reduce electricity bills by optimizing design (such as natural ventilation and shading) and improving equipment energy efficiency. For example, a 5A-rated office building in Shenzhen is expected to see a 15% to 20% increase in annual energy savings after adopting the new standards, resulting in significant economic benefits.

Promoting green finance and market mechanisms

The standard requires large public buildings to be connected to energy management systems and have a virtual power plant interface reserved. This will provide a data foundation for the application of financial instruments such as carbon trading and green credit. In the future, buildings with outstanding energy-saving performance will be able to earn additional revenue through carbon quota trading, creating a virtuous cycle of "energy conservation and revenue generation."

III. Social Needs: Improving the Living Environment and Enhancing People’s Well-being

Improve indoor environmental quality

The new standard not only focuses on energy conservation but also enhances comfort through measures such as noise control and optimized fresh air volume. For example, Article 5.1.7 requires air conditioner outdoor units to avoid airflow interference and reduce operating noise. Article 4.3.3 also requires enhanced airtightness of exterior windows (buildings over 10 stories must meet Level 7) to reduce external noise penetration. These measures will significantly improve the acoustic environment in offices, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, enhancing user well-being.

Responding to the public's demand for green living

With growing environmental awareness, society's demand for green buildings is becoming increasingly urgent. The new standard requires public buildings to install photovoltaic systems, rainwater recycling facilities, and promote natural lighting technologies such as light guides, integrating energy conservation with aesthetics and functionality. For example, buildings with stable hot water demand, such as hotels and hospitals, are given priority for solar energy systems (Article 8.1.1). This not only reduces energy consumption, but also fosters a green image and enhances public recognition.

Promoting sustainable urban development

Shenzhen, a megacity with dense public buildings, suffers from a significant urban heat island effect. The new standard effectively mitigates this heat island effect and improves the microclimate by limiting window-to-wall ratios, implementing mandatory shading, and promoting green roofs (Article 4.3.5). Furthermore, regulations on electric vehicle charging facilities (Article 6.2.8) and intelligent lighting control (Article 6.4.8) support the development of smart cities and enhance urban resilience.

Leading the future with standards and writing a new green chapter

The implementation of the "Public Building Energy-Efficiency Design Standard" (SJG 44-2025) reflects the combined efforts of national will, economic principles, and social needs. It not only sets the technical baseline for green development in the construction industry but also, through systematic innovation, promotes the transformation of cities from "high-energy expansion" to "high-quality coexistence." In the future, with the full implementation of the standard, public buildings will become a major force in energy conservation and emission reduction, a testing ground for green technologies, and a vehicle for a better life, providing a "Shenzhen model" of sustainable development for the nation and even the world.