57-floor building goes up in 19 days

By Zheng Jinran (China Daily) Updated: 2015-05-05 07:54

Less trash

In 2013, China saw construction waste reach 1 billion tons, 26 percent of it from the process of building and 74 percent from demolition, according to a 2014 report on resources utilization released by the National Development and Reform Commission.

Only 5 percent of construction waste is recycled, which amounts to around 30 million tons annually, the report said.

The utilization rate of construction trash could reach 95 percent, as is the case in many developed countries, said Liu.

"To reduce construction waste, prefabricated steel structure construction should be promoted in the country," said Wang Zhe, an architect at the institute who has participated in many steel structure iconic buildings, such as the new China Central Television building.

The entire life span of steel structure buildings is green, from construction to demolition, and the structure is 100 percent recyclable, Wang said.

The construction time is greatly reduced, so less dust is generated. The prefabricated sections cost less and have better quality because they can be mass produced, he said.

Broad Sustainable Building has built three other prefabricated buildings, including a pavilion at the Shanghai EXPO in 2010 that is still open to the public, Xiao said.

But steel structure buildings have been restricted because the public has concerns about their safety, both architects said. Companies wishing to build these green buildings also face a long wait in gaining the necessary approval certificates.

Xiao, the manager of the building company in Changsha suggested governments release more preferential policies to promote steel structure buildings.

"It took us around eight months to get the certificate for the Mini Sky City project," he said.

As far as allaying public concerns, he recommended people visit newly built hotels to see for themselves the new type of buildings that herald a green future.

zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn