The recently released 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that the total floorspace in commercial buildings has increased but energy consumption has not, compared with the last survey analyzing the landscape in 2012.
This difference indicates that the consumption per square foot (energy intensity) has decreased, which means that its efficiency has likely increased. The 2018 data showed a decrease in energy intensity of 12% since 2012, from 80,000 Btu per square foot to 70,600 Btu per square foot. Between 2012 and 2018, electricity intensity decreased 14%, and natural gas intensity decreased 11%.
Inpatient healthcare buildings had a 16% decrease in energy intensity in what was the largest change of any building type. Despite this decrease, though, inpatient healthcare buildings were still among the most energy-intensive types of buildings, along with food sales and food service.
Warehouses—the most common commercial building type as of 2018—were among the least energy-intensive building types, along with vacant buildings and those used for religious worship. Decreases in energy intensity are driven by improvements in building operations, materials, and design, as well as heating, cooling, and lighting technologies. Use of highly efficient LED lighting has spiked from 9% of commercial buildings in 2012 to 44% in 2018.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 14, 2015
Is Apple's new iPad Pro a game changer for architects?
A stylus, split screen, and improved graphics make designing on the tablet easier.
Sponsored | Building Team | Aug 25, 2015
9 characteristics that distinguish leading A/E firms
By analyzing the “benchmark firms” selected from its annual surveys, PSMJ has identified several characteristics that distinguish top performers
Office Buildings | Aug 24, 2015
British company OpenDesk offers open-sourced office furniture
Offices can “download” their furniture to be made locally, anywhere.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Aug 20, 2015
Part II - Will BIM Work as a Deliverable? A Legal Perspective on BIM
Having the right counsel on your team can be the difference between long drawn-out negotiations and breaking new ground to meet the owner’s needs.
Sponsored | Building Team | Aug 20, 2015
Understanding the values and aspirations of millennials
A recent LinkedIn workplace survey revealed that millennials (defined as individuals aged 18–24) are quite different from boomers (those aged 55–65)
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 17, 2015
Reimagined cursors can change digital imaging
A University of Montreal professor has developed a system that elevates 2D cursors for a 3D world.
Building Team | Aug 17, 2015
One female contractor gets vocal about urging women to consider construction as a career
Doreen DiPolito of Florida’s D-Mar General Contracting thinks opportunities abound in an industry struggling with worker shortages.
Sponsored | Building Team | Aug 11, 2015
How to improve project planning
A recent research project revealed that more than 75 percent of project owners have no consistent method for assessing project risks and setting budget contingencies.
Retail Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Fish-shaped shopping mall designed for odd plot of land in China
The mall, in Qinshui, a city in China’s Shanxi province, will fit within the 250x30-meter dimensions surrounded by parallel roads and two converging rivers.
Airports | Jul 22, 2015
MUST SEE: JFK airport taps Gensler to design terminal for animals
Pets can enjoy luxurious spa and grooming services before being transported directly to their flight from the terminal.