Beijing and other key Chinese cities issued red alerts on air pollution in the past weeks. (Photo : Reuters)
A new energy-saving air purifying system known as "new wind" could be the answer to creating environmentally friendly buildings in China, as the country continues to deal with its pollution problem.
The technology is likely to be approved for a trial in Beijing's new buildings before hitting neighboring regions in Tianjin and Hebei.
Jin Jizong, vice president of Beijing Building Energy Conservation and Environmental Engineering Association, said that he is hopeful that the new wind system will be approved as part of anti-pollution regulations included in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).
"If such requirements are included in regulatory standards to make new Beijing buildings more energy-efficient and greener, they will also apply to neighboring regions such as Tianjin and Hebei Provinces," said Jin. "During the next five years, constructing energy-efficient buildings will be a major task for the government and will drive the development of the new wind system."
Jin added that the local government of Beijing has already asked his association to conduct research on the technology, which involves using the air purifying system alongside conventional air conditioning. The results of the research will be released next year.
If the system is approved, it will replace energy-costly air purifiers in new buildings.
Industry officials estimate that new wind could become an industry worth $170 billion yuan in the next few years.
Currently, the pollution in China's cities fuels a demand for air purifiers, which themselves increase energy consumption, contributing to pollution.
"China's expanding middle class is also willing to pay more in the pursuit of safer, cleaner air and a good living environment," said Jin.
