REVIEW

Overview of research and development of nearly zero energy buildings in China

Institute of Building Environment and Energy, China Academy of Building Research, Beijing 100013, China

^* Corresponding author (email: yuzhen@chinaibee.com)

Received: 12 December 2023
Revised: 19 February 2024
Accepted: 29 February 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the promotion of nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) in China has emerged as a crucial step for the building industry in shifting towards a green and low-carbon future. Starting from scratch, the development of NZEBs in China has included the application and fundamental research, the compilation of national and local standards, and the rapid emergence of projects encompassing 23.89 million square meters nationwide. These efforts have yielded preliminary results in national standards, technology systems, technical roadmaps, and large-scale project demonstrations. However, challenges, including further reducing incremental costs, developing industries for retrofitting existing buildings into NZEBs, and expanding the range of policy incentives, remain to be addressed. This article provides an overview of the last decade’s progress in NZEBs in China, covering key technological research, policy development, engineering demonstrations, and the current industrial development status. Finally, the prospects of the NZEB industry are discussed.