The U.S. has the tools to reduce commercial building-related emissions to reach target goals in 2029, earlier than what it committed to when it signed the Paris Agreement, according to a report by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The report includes key historical data and presents targeted opportunities for future improvement. It identifies high-opportunity areas that can be decarbonized faster, such as deep retrofits in refrigerated warehouses, where emissions have grown in recent years.
Older commercial buildings present another area for significant improvement. This building category, where preā1980 buildings account for nearly 40% of gross commercial floor area in the U.S., could use nearly half of the expanded commercial energy efficiency tax deduction in 2022ās Inflation Reduction Act, a key lever for decarbonization.
On average, commercial buildings have become 37% less carbon intensive and 26% more energy efficient. But despite these reductions, the report found overall sector emissions of commercial buildings has remained flat since 1990 because of significant increases in total building floor area.
Related Stories
Green | Oct 5, 2022
In California, a public power providerās new headquarters serves as a test case for an innovative microgrid and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), the public power provider for Californiaās Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, recently unveiled its new all-electric headquarters.
Green | Oct 3, 2022
California regulators move to ban gas heaters for existing buildings
California regulators voted unanimously recently on a series of measures that include a ban on the sale of natural gas-powered heating and hot water systems beginning in 2030.
Mass Timber | Aug 30, 2022
Mass timber construction in 2022: From fringe to mainstream
Two Timberlab executives discuss the market for mass timber construction and their company's marketing and manufacturing strategies. Sam Dicke, Business Development Manager, and Erica Spiritos, Director of Preconstruction, Timberlab, speak with BD+C's John Caulfield.Ā
Daylighting | Aug 18, 2022
Lisa Heschong on 'Thermal and Visual Delight in Architecture'
Lisa Heschong, FIES, discusses her books, "Thermal Delight in Architecture" and "Visual Delight in Architecture," with BD+C's Rob Cassidy.Ā
Sponsored | | Aug 4, 2022
Brighter vistas: Next-gen tools drive sustainability toward net zero line
New technologies, innovations, and tools are opening doors for building teams interested in better and more socially responsible design.Ā
Green | Jul 26, 2022
Climate tech startup BlocPower looks to electrify, decarbonize the nation's buildings
The New York-based climate technology company electrifies and decarbonizes buildingsāmore than 1,200 of them so far.
Sustainable Development | Jul 14, 2022
Designing for climate change and inclusion, with CBT Architects' Kishore Varanasi and Devanshi Purohit
Climate change is having a dramatic impact on urban design, in terms of planning, materials, occupant use, location, and the long-term effect of buildings on the environment. Joining BD+C's John Caulfield to discuss this topic are two experts from the Boston-based CBT Architects: Kishore Varanasi, a Principal and director of urban design; and Devanshi Purohit, an Associate Principal.
Building Team | Jul 1, 2022
How to apply WELL for better design outcomes
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) cites attracting top talent, increasing productivity, and improving environmental, social or governance (ESG) performance as key outcomes of leveraging tools like their WELL Building Standard to develop healthier environments.
Green | Jun 22, 2022
The business case for passive house multifamily
A trio of Passive House experts talk about the true costs and benefits of passive house design and construction for multifamily projects.Ā
Green | Jun 22, 2022
Worldās largest commercial Living Building opens in Portland, Ore.
The worldās largest commercial Living Building recently opened in Portland, Ore.
