By Li Zuojun, Wei Yun, Zhou Jianqi, Zhao Xijun & Huang Shunkui, DRC

Heating supply in China is still a high-pollution and energy-intensive industry. With the swift development of urbanization and the provision of heating supply in southern China, heating as one of the basic social services is in an increasing demand. Efforts need to be made to explore a green heating model, which is of great significance in reducing energy consumption and improving atmospheric environment.

First, heating model and its development trend. The main heating models in China include three kinds: fuel-based energy heating, air-conditioner-based energy heating and heat- pump-based energy heating. In face of the environmental and resource problems to be addressed, heating model will tend to become more green, low-carbonized, intelligent, comfortable and safe.

Second, the practice of developed countries’ heating supply makes good reference to China. Developed countries usually focus on energy-saving and comfort, and have set corresponding standards for energy consumption of residential heating supply. They have implemented household heating metering system and other toll methods which are beneficial to saving energy; attentions are paid to making heating supply technology become more intelligent, comfortable and safe; renewable energy sources are actively used as heating energy; emphasis is laid on pushing forward green heating supply by economic incentive measures.

Third, policy measures to push forward the development of green heating supply model. 1. It is necessary to take green heating as one of the major goals of green development and economic transformation, and the leading role of national strategies should be fully leveraged; 2. It is necessary to further strengthen institutional guarantee for green heating, and standard system, and improve related supervision and testing system as well as relevant laws and regulations; 3. Efforts need to be made to develop green heating technology; 4. It is necessary to formulate and implement the supportive policies for green heating development through providing subsidy for electricity tariff and fund-raising; 5. It is necessary to enhance government purchase of green heating services.

Here is a case in point relating to floor and wall electric heating model or low-temperature radiation house heating model. In using electricity as the energy, people directly transform electric energy into heating energy, and transmit heating through thermal radiation. This model has been widely applied in Europe, North America and many countries in Asia as well as in newly-built houses in China.

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