Ministry of the Interior energy-saving, low-carbon green buildings save NT$5.8 billion in water and electricity fees annually

Driven by the government's energy-saving and carbon-reduction policies, private green buildings have flourished. According to Ministry of the Interior statistics, as of the end of June this year (2016), 5,882 public and private buildings in the country had obtained green building labels or candidate green building certificates. Based on an estimated average of 20% electricity savings and 30% water savings, this can save about 1.478 billion kWh of electricity and 70 million tons of water each year, equivalent to the capacity of 28,000 international standard swimming pools, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 835,000 tons, roughly equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 2,154 Daan Forest Parks. It can save about NT$5.874 billion in water and electricity fees each year, and the results are quite considerable.

The Ministry of the Interior stated that in the face of global climate change and the crisis of resource scarcity, Taiwan has established a green building assessment system (EEWH) and labeling system with unique subtropical climate characteristics, and requires newly constructed public buildings with a total project cost of NT$50 million or more to obtain green building labels, while continuing to encourage private operators to build green buildings, so as to implement the "energy-saving" and "water-saving" goals of green building policy.

To help all sectors further understand green buildings, the Architecture and Building Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior is actively planning promotional measures for different audiences. Among them, the "Low-Carbon Tourism Green Building Intellectual Tour" is a comprehensive experience integrating green buildings, environmental education, low-carbon living and sightseeing tourism. Professional tour guides who have completed green building training combine fascinating historical anecdotes and local culture, and arrange local delicacies and snacks, leading everyone to comfortably explore low-carbon green buildings in various places.

This year (2016), 12 themed itineraries are being offered, including one-day tours such as the Beitou cultural exploration and Tamsui humanities and customs tour, as well as two-day tours such as the Sun Moon Lake context exploration in Nantou and the Xitou forest ecology experience. Participation fees include transportation, meals, tickets and accommodation. One-day tours cost about NT$590 to NT$1,320, and two-day tours cost about NT$4,800 to NT$5,200. The public is welcome to participate enthusiastically, and may also inquire with the Architecture and Building Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior (02-89127890 ext. 280).