China's new five-year plan sets goals for GHG reduction, water efficiency and renewable energy as well as GDP growth. 
 
When a surge of manufacturing production in China resulted in greenhouse gas emissions in excess of what the country's five-year plan called for, the Chinese government in 2010 cut off power to heavy industrial districts, forcing many plants to close temporarily.

The dramatic move—unthinkable in most industrialized countries—demonstrated that, in China, sustainability goals are no less important than economic growth goals.

A new report by Jones Lang LaSalle discusses the increasing role of sustainability criteria in China's five-year planning process, starting with the plan issued in 2006 and continuing to the current plan issued in 2011. Developed by Jones Lang LaSalle professionals working in Greater China, the report discusses how China views sustainability as not just an environmental necessity, but one of the most viable paths to business growth.

As the world's largest nation—soon to have the world's largest economy—China's approach to sustainability and GDP growth is of interest to business professionals around the world.

The country's leaders have issued a five-year plan (FYP) every half-decade since 1951, and have consistently followed through on each plan. The 2006 FYP was the first to address sustainability, setting goals for energy use per unit of GDP, water use per unit of value-added industrial output and sulfur dioxide emissions. China exceeded all of those targets except one, achieving 19.1 of a mandated 20 percent reduction in the energy/GDP goal.

The 2011 FYP establishes new metrics for improvement on existing criteria, and adds new environmental goals, including:

• Reduction in energy use per unit of GDP:  16%
• Reduction of carbon emissions per unit of GDP:  17%
• Reduction of water use per unit of value-added industrial output:  30%
• Share of non-fossil fuel in primary energy consumption:  11.4%
• Strategic emerging industries as percentage of overall GDP:  8%

Jones Lang LaSalle maintains offices in 12 cities in Greater China, employing more than 12,000 professionals and on-site staff and providing a comprehensive range of commercial real estate services, including energy and sustainability services.

For the full report, visit the Global Sustainability Perspective website. In addition to the report on China, recently added site content includes:

• A review of Australia's aggressive new green mandates
• An interview with the Vice President of International Operations at the U.S. Green Building Council on LEED's International Impact
• A perspective by Peter Hilderson, Asia Pacific Head of Energy and Sustainability Services, on sustainability trends in the region 
• Recent green building legislative developments in Australia, Canada, France, UK and US

Jones Lang LaSalle is a global leader in energy and sustainability services worldwide. The firm's professionals have been instrumental in securing energy and sustainability certifications at more than 200 buildings and commercial interiors around the world. 

The firm has installed or advised on alternative energy projects totaling 1,400 MW, and in the past three years has helped clients save more than $300 million in energy costs. Visit the Jones Lang LaSalle Green Blog for the latest trends and insights into energy and sustainability in commercial buildings.