Limited professional knowledge and experience can also be a hindrance and source of waste. For example, in the past people interpreted "green" construction as simply planting grass or flowers around new buildings, which in turn incurred high maintenance costs. In fact, green building means the careful design, construction, operation, as well as the reuse or removal, of the built environment in an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable manner. It requires the use of renewable energy or building materials that help conserve energy.

    Since green construction demands higher initial investments, Jao often finds it hard to persuade developers in China to take such an approach, despite long-term energy and cost savings. But the situation has started to change as more real estate developers are willing to embrace and sell the "green" concept to consumers. More and more green building projects have been carried out, including the Shanghai Star office block designed by Long On, whose energy consumption is only a third that of a regular similar-sized building.

    Jao feels it a great honor to participate in China's urbanization and the development of its urban environment. China has also provided him with golden business opportunities. "I owe my success to the positive environment for development in China. Here all government officials and the people are generally optimistic about the country's future, and they are willing to build a better country," Jao enthuses. "In addition, the Chinese government welcomes different styles of construction. In recent years, they have launched open bids for landmark buildings. The "Bird's Nest" and the National Center for the Performing Arts were both designed by foreign architects."

    Jao recalls his first meeting with former Premier Zhu Rongji in the early 1990s. "He expressed the sincere hope that I could help introduce China to the latest Western planning philosophies and concepts, help train some top-notch Chinese planning officials and complete some successful planning projects while in China. I take these hopes as my social responsibility and I think urban planning is really a vital profession, not only for the future of China, but for the whole planet."