Kelly Chen/ Shanghai Daily news

At the city's energy efficiency work conference, Mayor Han Zheng called on Shanghai to cut energy use per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) by 20 per cent from the 2005 level by 2010.

Han said that setting the energy-efficiency goal is a significant step for development over the next five-year's, which will see a focus on changing the mode of economic growth and the building of an environmentally-friendly city. It is vital to recognise the importance of energy-efficiency and to encourage it while implementing the scientific concept of development thoroughly, he said

Energy consumption per unit of GDP fell 16.5% between 2000 and 2005. According to the 11th five-year plan, this level should be cut by a further 20%. Han said it would be a difficult target to meet,but emphasized that the municipal government was determined to seek-out methods that would not only benefit economic development but reduce energy use as well.

Han said: "In order to achieve the goal, we should search for new approaches to save energy by adjusting industrial structures, utilizing advanced technology, strengthening environmental protection and encouraging a scientific life-style".

Model companies and individuals that excelled in saving energy received awards at the meeting. The Shanghai Municipal Economic Commission, Commission of Construction and Administration and the Tourism Administration Commission signed memorandums with key companies, such as Bao Steel, to encourage emerging-efficiency.