flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Global building emissions reached record levels in 2021

Green

Global building emissions reached record levels in 2021

Carbon-dioxide emitted from the operations and construction of buildings worldwide have grown despite efficiency efforts.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | November 13, 2022
Global building emissions reached record levels in 2021
Photo: Pixabay

Carbon-dioxide emissions from building construction and operations hit an all-time high in 2021, according to the most recent data compiled by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.

Energy-related emissions from operation reached 10 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, 5% higher than 2020 levels, and 2% more than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. Operational energy demand in buildings for heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment rose about 4% from 2020 levels.

While investments in building energy efficiency increased 16% last year to $237 billion, the growth in floor space outpaced efficiency efforts. Buildings were the source of 37% of global CO2 emissions in 2021. This includes emissions derived from production of concrete, steel, glass, and other materials.

Construction activities in most major economies returned last year to pre-pandemic levels and energy use rose as offices reopened. More emerging economies also increased their use of fossil fuels in buildings.

Related Stories

Building Team | Jun 27, 2017

Bruner Foundation announces 2017 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence gold and silver medalists

The SteelStacks Arts and Cultural Campus in Bethlehem, Pa., receives the gold medal and $50,000.

Green | Jun 23, 2017

Want a healthy building? Follow this primer on two new wellness standards

Since its development in the 1990s, the LEED rating system has been applied to over 19.1 billion total commercial square feet. 

Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2017

World Green Building Council: All buildings must be net zero by 2050 to avert 2°C rise

Building efficiency essential to tempering global climate change.

Green | Jun 16, 2017

Could this become London’s greenest building?

Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture wants to create a school powered by the River Thames.

Green | Jun 15, 2017

45-meter spiraling tower lets you walk above the trees

A 600-meter treetop path culminates with a 45-meter-tall spiraling observation deck.

Green | Jun 14, 2017

After Paris: What’s at stake for the building industry

In the wake of President Trump’s unilateral decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, many in the building industry have optimistically pointed to unstoppable market forces pushing the sector towards a post-carbon future. 

| Jun 13, 2017

Accelerate Live! talk: Next-gen materials for the built environment, Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial

Architect and materials guru Blaine Brownell reveals emerging trends and applications that are transforming the technological capacity, environmental performance, and design potential of architecture.

Office Buildings | Jun 8, 2017

Take a look at the plans for Google’s new 1 million-sf London campus

Heatherwick Studio and BIG are designing the 11-story building.

| May 30, 2017

Accelerate Live! talk: Health-generating buildings, Marcene Kinney, Angela Mazzi, GBBN Architects

Architects Marcene Kinney and Angela Mazzi share design hacks pinpointing specific aspects of the built environment that affect behavior, well-being, and performance.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017

Industry Groups move toward Unified Green Building Model Code in 2018

The effort involves combining ASHRAE's Standard 189.1 with the International Green Construction Code.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021