BEIJING, June 12 (UPI) -- Beijing officials are employing a team to patrol and monitor energy efficiency at local schools and businesses.
The 20-member team is aiming to make businesses more aware of energy use and encourage energy-saving practices, the state-run media, Xinhua News Agency reported.
"Energy-saving police will check if energy consumption in offices, hotels, schools, shopping malls and other big buildings meet national standards," said Huang Qian, team leader.
Building temperatures are regulated to no cooler than 79 degrees in the summer and no warmer than 68 degrees in winter.
Aside from patrols by the energy team, infractions can be called in and reported to a special number being set up. High-energy-using and low-productivity buildings will be penalized and publicly embarrassed and could eventually be shut down.
The "efficiency police" will help Beijing meet its goal of 20 percent energy reduction by 2010 and its promise of a green Olympics for next year's games.
There's also a city goal of meeting 10 percent of electricity needs with renewables by 2010.
