US to help build green edifices

WASHINGTON: The Washington-based Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) will help China develop more energy-efficient buildings under a new program sponsored by the US State Department.

With almost half the world's new construction expected to take place in China over the next decade, the program, announced yesterday, calls for PNNL researchers to oversee a pilot project in two Chinese cities to help officials develop stricter building codes that promote energy efficiency.

Chinese and US officials hailed the program as a way to combat global warming and increase cooperation between the two countries - the world's largest energy consumers.