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 | Jan 29, 2016
USGBC names top 10 states for LEED green building
Illinois leads the list for the third straight year.
Green | Jan 4, 2016
Florida lagging on development of green roofs
Florida lagging on development of green roofs.
Green | Dec 23, 2015
Austin, Texas mandates construction recycling
Projects larger than 5,000 sf must recycle or salvage at least half of their trash. Ā
Green | Dec 15, 2015
USGBC aims to scaling LEED buildings to 5 billion sf in five years
Plan revealed at UN climate conference.
Green | Dec 13, 2015
Detroit plans massive effort to convert vacant properties to green spaces
Effort aims to improve property values, city life. Ā
Greenbuild Report | Dec 10, 2015
AASHEās STARS tool highlights the university sectorās holistic approach to sustainability
Buzzwords like āliving labā and āexperiential learningā are indicative of the trend toward more holistic sustainability programs that incorporate all facets of college life.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 8, 2015
Is āgreenā still a selling point in the office sector?
Some developers are missing an opportunity by downplaying sustainability at a time when demand for such features is palpable among lessee firms who are trying to attract younger workers.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 1, 2015
Data centers turn to alternative power sources, new heat controls and UPS systems
Data centers account for 2% of the nationās electricity consumption and about 30% of the power used annually by the economyās information and communications technology sector, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Greenbuild Report | Nov 30, 2015
10 megatrends shaping the future of green building
Increased competition among green building rating systems, the rise of net-zero buildings, and a sharper focus on existing structures are among the trends that will drive sustainability through 2020, according to author and green building expert Jerry Yudelson.
Green | Nov 30, 2015
Federal agencies aim for major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
A 42% cut to come from buildings, vehicles, supply chain.