The vast majority of energy from fossil fuels and other sources is wasted before it ever produces useful work, said United Technologies Chairman and CEO George David in China.

Technological advances and innovative designs are available today to prevent such waste.

David addressed 200 students at China's Tsinghua University and said technological advances and innovative designs are available today to prevent such waste. He encouraged students to think about the potential to eliminate waste in their own lives. He provided examples of how UTC has reduced costs and improved profits by cutting waste.

David was participating in Tsinghua University's Global Vision Leadership Series, which attracts global figures to the Beijing campus. UTC has longstanding ties with Tsinghua University and recently announced a US$5 million cooperative research effort to advance studies supporting development of the world's next generation of buildings.

The five-year commitment established the Tsinghua-United Technologies Corporation Research Institute for Integrated Building Energy, Safety and Control Systems. Researchers and scientists at the institute will focus on advancing the science, technology and multi-disciplinary integration required to create high performance buildings. Institute members will utilize current and emerging fields of study and also create new science to establish pathways for constructing buildings that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, efficient and also comfortable and safe.