LAUSR

(10). Many projects in China now claim to qualify as “low-carbon construction” (11) (a more efficient classification than “green construction”) by citing energy-saving technologies used during limited stages, such as construction or operation. To accurately classify projects as low carbon emitters, China needs a comprehensive evaluation system. To maximize the use of low-carbon construction equipment, materials, and methods, the central government should standardize the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings. Local governments and relevant agencies should rigorously review project applications, strengthen construction quality monitoring, and increase the frequency of spot checks during the building operation phase. Finally, an evaluation system that determines the carbon emissions over the entire lifespan of new infrastructure, similar to the US Evaluation System for Zero Net Carbon Building Performance (12), should inform development decisions. Xinbo Xu and Zhiwei Lian* Department of Architecture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]