Promoting 'Green' Building to Reduce Energy Consumption and C02 Emissions NEW YORK, March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Norbert W. Young, Jr., president, McGraw-Hill Construction, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) , presented at the Beijing International Green Builder Conference on March 27, 2007. Mr. Young discussed the state of global sustainable building and China's opportunity to assume a leadership role in a holistic approach to how green buildings reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions- noted factors for global warming. The current environmental challenge is significant. Energy resources are being used at the rate of 421 quadrillion BTUs annually and are increasing 3.8% each year. With energy demand estimated to grow by 71% by 2030, billions of dollars of energy investments will be needed. CO2 emissions are being produced at the rate of 25 billion metric tons annually and are projected to increase 75% by 2030. World-wide construction, a $4.6 trillion industry that contributes 10% of global GDP, is responsible for 17% of the world's freshwater withdrawals, 15% of wood harvest, 33% of CO2 emissions and 40% of materials and energy use. This pattern is taking place globally, among all regions of the world, with countries such as the U.S. and China having the most impact. "Green building can make a difference," said Mr. Young. "Our research shows that by adapting new technologies and materials, sustainable buildings can save 30-50% of energy consumption and reduce 35% of the carbon emissions, 40% of water consumption and 70% of solid wastes. Moreover, they decrease operating costs and increase building values, ROI, occupancy and rents. Indeed, the average payback for these investments can take place within the first two years of a building's life, and save 20% of energy costs over the lifetime of a building. As a result, U.S. builders increasingly are embracing the green transformation. Corporate America is making these investments and shifts as well, recognizing the business benefits and future trends." Today, China's buildings account for 45% of material and energy use, and are one of the world's largest sources of greenhouse gases. By 2020, buildings will consume double the amount of energy, if unchecked. As a result, the Chinese government has implemented an ambitious renovation plan for residential and public buildings in major cities. New standards are being set for zero-energy buildings, such as the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou. To reduce carbon emissions, eco-cities, such as Dongtan, are being built to be carbon-neutral, recapture water, and use fuel-efficient and battery-powered public transportation vehicles. Moreover, recognizing that personal transportation will become the most significant source of worldwide CO2 emissions in the future, China has embarked on a long-term solution that embraces higher emissions standards and requires hydrogen fuel cells to power fleet vehicles by 2008 and all cars by 2015. It also is making major investments to expand the production of electricity by hydroelectric plants, wind farms, solar energy and nuclear power. "China has a unique opportunity to take a leadership role and show the world how green buildings can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases," concludes Mr. Young. "By embracing new technologies and widely adopting the holistic approach of addressing buildings, transportation and infrastructure, China can assume a global leadership position in this critical arena by sharing the information, intelligence and industry best-practices with the world." About McGraw-Hill Construction: McGraw-Hill Construction, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) , connects people, projects and products across the design and construction industry. Backed by the power of Dodge, Sweets (www.sweets.com), Engineering News-Record (ENR, www.ENR.com), Architectural Record (www.architecturalrecord.com), Green Source (www.greensourcemag.com), and Regional Publications, the company provides information, intelligence, tools, applications and resources to help customers grow their business. McGraw-Hill Construction serves more than one million customers within the $4.6 trillion global construction community. For more information, visit http://www.construction.com/ About The McGraw-Hill Companies: Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 240 offices in 36 countries. Sales in 2005 were $6.0 billion.
