Green is the way to go for delegates

Lei Jufang, a newly-elected member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was impressed by a proposal even prior to the first meeting in Beijing: Before any formal issues were raised, colleagues in her group suggested turning off the heating system in the conference room.

"We decided to go green through our action," Lei, from Gansu province, said. "March in Beijing is not that cold, anyway."

Energy saving has been embraced by members and deputies attending the annual sessions of the CPPCC and the National People's Congress - and helping them along are the 20-odd hotels where they are staying.