Energy for Buildings

Share of GHG Emissions from Buildings

World 37% 🌎
U.S. 31% 🇺🇸
of total GHG emissions come from buildings

Share of Final Energy Used by Buildings

World 33% 🌎
U.S. 28% 🇺🇸
of total final energy is used in buildings

Share of Energy Used in Buildings From Renewable Resources

World 16% 🌎
U.S. 14% 🇺🇸
of energy used in buildings comes from renewable resources

Biggest Opportunities for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization

• Efficient building envelope (e.g., high performance windows - a home’s largest source of heat loss, insulation)
• Lighting - use of natural light and LED lights
• Improved HVAC systems and ductless heat pumps
• Electrification of space heating and natural gas appliances (stoves, dryers, water heaters)

Effective Sustainable Building Design Practices

• Integrative design - optimize whole systems rather than components in isolation
• Application of energy efficiency best practices
• Maximization of natural light and ventilation
• Use of sustainably sourced natural materials
• Reduction of friction in piping systems through size and layout to ensure smooth transitions
• Optimal building orientation

Drivers

• Reduced costs for building operation and maintenance
• Green buildings are more desirable from a leasing and selling perspective
• Higher sales in retail with natural lighting and ventilation
• Increased worker productivity
• Better indoor environmental quality

Barriers

• Lack of mandatory energy efficient building standards or codes
• Efficiency upgrades must be paid for up-front, and there may be a long cost recovery time
• Upfront costs can be prohibitive if not applied correctly (i.e., optimizing in isolation as opposed to applying principles of integrative design)
• Emphasis on short-term returns can lead to missed opportunities, as many significant energy savings or decarbonization projects require longer periods to break even (payback trap)
• Risk aversion among managers regarding adopting new, untested technologies, even if they have the potential to improve energy efficiency (manager barrier).
• “Split incentives” between those paying the costs of efficiency measures and those enjoying the savings (e.g., owner vs tenant)
• Price distortions caused by fossil fuels subsidies
• Low renovation and heating system replacement when existing building stocks are large
• Low consumer awareness of efficiency and decarbonization options
• Lack of skilled workforce in renewable heat and energy efficiency installation

Climate Impact: High

• Leading source of GHG emissions

Environmental Impact: High

Construction:

• Land use
• Mining for building materials
• Noise pollution
• Unsustainable wood harvesting
• Potentially hazardous building materials
• Construction debris

Operational:

• Air pollution
• Waste
• Water use

^{Updated September 2024}