U.S. and Chinese energy leaders agreed to partner in developing more efficient building designs and sustainable communities relying more on renewable energy.

"Making buildings more efficient represents one of the greatest, and most immediate opportunities we have to create jobs, save money, save energy and reduce carbon pollution," U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Thursday in a release. "Our goal should be buildings that are 80 percent more efficient. Doing so will save families money and create millions of jobs in both countries."

Under terms of the memorandum of understanding signed Wednesday by the U.S. Energy Department and the Chinese Ministry of Urban-Rural Development, the United States and China will exchange experts and technicians to learn from each other's experiences with efficient building technologies, as well as examine options for policy incentives or regulatory reform to encourage energy-efficient development in China.

The two nations will also explore the feasibility of a joint project in China to demonstrate green buildings, building energy savings and renewable energy technologies, Chu said.