Buildings still a pale shade of green (2)

While energy-saving is the new mantra of architects, developers and investors, Zhuang says many projects do not stand up to scrutiny. Some projects with the China Green Building label are not very green in operation. Some "green" buildings are fake, he says.

He said that he has studied some state-subsidized projects using photovoltaic energy, groundwater sources heat pump and more.

"When we did the monitoring afterwards, many projects, such as solar power, performed far below the original design. If the guaranteed rate was 50 percent and the reality was actually 30 percent, then we would be thankful," he says.

"Monitoring measures are not stringent enough," he says. "Environmental protection and sustainable development should be concepts that everyone starts to embrace."

Shanghai's 'greenest' building

ONE of the city's "greenest" buildings is the Shanghai Research Institute of Building Science in Minhang District.

The seven-story building of high-performance concrete holds three green stars, the highest possible.

But it's not perfect.

It uses a lot of natural light and uses solar power for heating, but not for lighting and air conditioning. Building materials, design and ventilation keep it warm in winter and cool in summer.

Architect Ji Liang works in the building in Shanghai Xinzhuang Industrial Park.

"When entering a green building, it's a pleasure to see. Lighting and ventilation are both considered and enhanced, nevertheless, everything has its pros and cons," he says. The solar heating system isn't very fast. "You have to wait 10 seconds for hot water to wash your hands after using the toilet, meanwhile, you have almost finished washing your hands," Ji says.

He notes that to obtain a green certification, a building must use reclaimed water, but Shanghai has sufficient rain water resources. Thus, tap water actually costs less than reclaimed water.

"But if you want the green label certification, you are forced to use reclaimed water. I think evaluation systems should suit local conditions and a national standard isn't always reasonable," he says.

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