Baotou housing authorities recently oversaw the complete renovation of 20-year-old housing units in the industrial city of Baotou in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The housing community, located at No 3, Xingfu Road, Qingshan district, now looks like a newly-built complex after undergoing reconstruction work such as road hardening, exterior wall reinforcement and painting, and the installation of new security doors, windows and steel window frames. The renovations were undertaken with the aim of improved? living standards of local residents.

Zhang Xiulian has lived in the community for 20 years and noted the great changes that have taken place. He said that before renovation, the community suffered from an unsanitary environment and lack of management, and looked dilapidated.

“After renovation, buildings look like new buildings. More effective thermal insulation material has been installed, making indoor temperature two to three degrees higher than before. What’s more, the new security doors make us feel safer,” said Zhang.

The housing community has a new feel after energy-saving renovations. [Photo/baotounews.com.cn]

Housing authorities have renovated a total area of 1.84 million square meters in the district, involving 38 communities. The energy-saving renovation project includes water proofing, heat preservation in exterior walls, paint coatings, window replacements and window frame replacements in corridors. Security doors have also been installed. The investment has reached 310 million yuan ($48.83 million), benefiting about 34,300 residents.

According to Zhang Xin, deputy director of the engineering department of the Qungshan district housing authority, the renovation project plays a significant role in saving energy and reducing emissions. The average indoor temperature is expected to increase by 3 to 6 degrees in winter and decrease by 2 to 3 degrees in summer.

Renovation works also solved rain water leakage problems in some housing units, according to Zhang. “The painting makes the old building beautiful, providing a comfortable environment for residents,” he added.