Exporting Green Development Technologies to China

摘要

For the past two decades, China has ranked the world's fastest growing economy. The country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its successful bid for the 2008 Olympics indicate the rapid pace with which China is moving into the world economy. China recognizes that its integration and acceptance into the international community depends, in part, on a paradigm shift - from one of pure growth to one that includes sustainable development. One area in which this commitment is being made, albeit slowly, is the booming building sector. China is a vast market for building materials and technologies. However, U.S. companies are finding it difficult to sell their advanced energy efficient and "green" products. This presentation highlights key factors, including China's development of building codes and standards, which are both facilitating and hindering China's move toward sustainable buildings. The author concludes that U.S. companies must shift from selling individual products in response to China's new codes to a new paradigm - where green building project investments are encouraged by virtue of their attractive economics. To do this, multiple equipment suppliers should form alliances or work with intermediaries who are able to package green building projects as highly competitive investments. This approach will allow U.S. suppliers to capitalize on the huge untapped market for energy efficiency and other green building products.