Doors and windows become the biggest vulnerability of domestic building energy-saving
September 08 02:35:07, 2025
In recent years, China has been rapidly expanding its construction industry, adding 2.5 billion square meters of buildings annually. However, many developers overlook the importance of high-quality doors and windows, leading to significant energy waste. According to available data, only 0.4% of doors and windows in China are energy-efficient, while energy loss through these openings accounts for as much as 20% of total national energy consumption. As a result, doors and windows have become the biggest "energy leak" and "black hole" in China’s building energy efficiency.
At the 2013 China Energy-Saving Doors and Windows Industry Development Forum held in Gaobeidian, Hebei, industry experts emphasized the urgent need for China to establish clear standards for energy-saving doors and windows. They also called on the government to increase investment in research and development to support innovation in this sector.
Experts highlighted that China's annual construction growth—reaching 2.5 billion square meters per year—surpasses the combined total of all developed countries. Yet, with energy-saving doors and windows making up just 0.4% of the market, the energy inefficiency caused by poor window and door performance is two to three times higher than in developed nations. This inefficiency significantly contributes to the overall energy burden and environmental challenges.
According to Ni Shouqiang, a senior expert, the energy required for cooling is about three times that of heating per kWh. Additionally, the lack of proper insulation in windows and shading can make cooling energy demands 5 to 10 times higher than those for heating. Many public and residential buildings in China continue to use large amounts of transparent glass, which worsens thermal performance. In northern regions, where winter heating is essential, this inefficiency leads to increased coal consumption. For example, in Hebei Province, each person burns approximately 2 tons of coal for heating annually, contributing significantly to air pollution and smog formation.
Addressing the issue of inefficient doors and windows is not only crucial for improving energy efficiency but also for reducing environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life for millions of people across the country.