The State Council, China's cabinet, recently issued a notice that called on government agencies at all levels to enhance co-ordination in the nationwide drive to conserve resources.

The establishment of resource-saving government agencies is not only an effort to save resources but, more importantly, a catalyst to get society moving down the path to becoming conservation-oriented.

With a more clearly specified effort to promote the conservation of resources, the municipal government of Beijing has hammered out a few detailed measures to save electricity.

From July 1 to August 31, all government departments should keep the temperature of air conditioners in offices at or above 26 C and government officials have been encouraged, for the first time, not to wear a suit and tie.

As we all know, the success of any grand government policy is guaranteed by the consideration of details. The establishment of a conservation-oriented society should also start from seemingly insignificant details.

Last summer, China was threatened by the most stringent power shortages since the 1980s and the State Council issued a document saying guaranteeing household electricity provision should be its top priority.

It was the first time the government was not the foremost concern. This little change symbolized the government's shift towards the principle of people first, and it also demonstrated its resolution to make government operations more energy efficient.

However, the document failed to work promised wonders. According to a recent report from Xinhua News Agency, a government official uses 18 times more electricity in amount than an ordinary householder.

This report indicates an abstract government policy alone will not effectively promote resource-saving. The measures that start from dealing with specifics are more practical.

The government should focus on details, so establishing a conservation-oriented society can truly be realized.