The Impact of Buildings in the Environment

Abstract

The rising levels of greenhouse gasses (GHG) constitute the primary driver of global warming and today’s climate crisis. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), carbon dioxide levels have increased by over one-third in the past two centuries. The built environment significantly contributes to this trend, with buildings accounting for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, including operational and embodied carbon. Moreover, from an energy perspective, buildings represent a substantial portion of overall consumption. In 2021, buildings accounted for 39% of the total energy in the United States, surpassing the transportation and industrial sectors.