Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan called on Monday for the construction of energy-efficient and green buildings to ensure sustainable development of the building industry.

Zeng made the remarks in a letter of congratulation on the convening of an international conference on intelligent, green buildings and energy efficiency, which opened in Beijing on Monday.

Modern construction technologies were imperative and urgently needed for China's urbanization and industrialization, said Zeng, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He called for research into and development of green building technologies, materials and equipment, and the use of intelligent technologies to improve building functions.

Zeng said China would learn from the advanced technologies and experiences of other countries, and cooperate internationally to promote the sustainable development of the building industry.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2007)