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
Multifamily Housing | Oct 15, 2015
Montreal apartment is world’s largest residential cross-laminated timber project
Its 434 condo, townhouse, and rental units in three eight-story buildings are made from sustainably harvested wood turned into panels by Canadian company Nordic Wood Structures together with the Cree Nation in Chibougamau.
Green | Oct 5, 2015
ULI report: Commercial real estate properties cutting emissions, energy use
The new report from ULI’s Greenprint Center shows a positive trajectory of real estate properties worldwide reducing energy and water use.
Green | Oct 1, 2015
New York showcases an urban farm for public housing
Providing healthy foods and job training are two of this project’s missions.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 28, 2015
Vo Trong Nghia’s 'diamond lotus' will feature sky garden pathways linking high-rises
The 22-story housing complex in Ho Chi Minh City will have façades covered with plants and a rooftop garden that connects the structures.
Green | Sep 11, 2015
GBI releases Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings for public comment
Revised ANSI standard open for review through Oct. 26
Retail Centers | Aug 27, 2015
Vallco Shopping Mall renovation plans include 'largest green roof in the world'
The new owners of the mall in Cupertino, Calif., intend to transform the outdated shopping mall into a multi-purpose complex, topped by a 30-acre park.
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
GREEN BUILDING GIANTS: Green building movement hits a new plateau, but the underlying problems remain
Today, the green building movement is all about eliminating toxic substances in building materials and systems and, for manufacturers, issuing environmental and health product declarations. Whether these efforts will lead to healthier products and building environments remains an open question.
Green | Jul 27, 2015
MUST SEE: Dutch company to test using plastic waste for road construction
KWS Infra is piloting a program to make roads from plastic garbage, including bags and bottles extracted from the ocean.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
ICC, ASHRAE outline roles to consolidate IgCC and 189.1
"IgCC Powered by 189.1” will provide the design and construction industry with “the single, most-effective way to deliver sustainable, resilient, high-performance buildings," according to the trade groups behind the agreement.
Green | Jul 23, 2015
NASA: U.S. headed for worst droughts in a millennium
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind devastating water shortages and record droughts in the western U.S.