Despite China’s unprecedented construction boom in recent years, many of its buildings still do not meet international energy-efficiency standards. The heating and cooling of buildings consumes a third of all China’s energy. This high energy consumption and the resulting air pollution have alerted the Chinese government.
WACKER is committed to initiatives that publicize the benefits of energy-efficient building techniques to China’s municipal authorities and construction industry. For example, under the auspices of the German Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, WACKER partnered with other European companies in 2007 to establish the ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System) Quality Alliance. The purpose of the alliance is to draw attention to exterior insulation and finish systems and establish internationally recognized quality standards for energy-efficient construction. To this end, ETICS is collaborating with Chinese authorities, trade associations and inspectorates in organizing seminars and user workshops. Additionally, since 2007, WACKER has been involved in an initiative run by the German Energy Agency (dena) and the Chinese Ministry of Construction. This initiative, too, aims to promote energy-saving building practices appropriate to the local climate. At the core of the project are seminars held in six major Chinese cities in different climate zones.