![]() When indirect CO 2 emissions from the use of electricity generated off-site are factored in, residential and commercial buildings generated 1,913.3 MMtCO 2e, or 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making buildings the fourth highest emitting sector (after electric power, transportation, and industry). building sector generated 565.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMtCO 2e) in direct emissions, or about 8.6 percent of total U.S. In 2015, CO 2 emissions from fossil-fuel combustion in the U.S. Space heating and cooling, water heating, cooking, appliances, electronics and lighting are the largest end uses ( Figure 1). The remainder are direct emissions, primarily from on-site combustion fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and cooking, and from leaks of compounds used in refrigeration and air conditioning.Ī variety of residential and commercial end uses contribute to the sector’s energy demand and, ultimately, CO 2 emissions. The majority of these emissions are indirect emissions from electricity generated off-site to power buildings. Emissions have been relatively flat since 2010. Emissions Trends and Projectionsįrom 1990 to 2015, carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from fossil-fuel combustion attributed to commercial buildings and residential buildings increased 7.8 percent and 20.4 percent, respectively. ![]() Increased demand for cooling in a warmer climate is also likely to be a key determinant of the building sector’s future emissions profile. ![]() Increased connectivity between devices and the electric power grid-which produces the majority of building sector emissions-allows users to tailor their demand and even utilize devices for energy storage, both of which could help to reduce emissions.ĭespite projected growth in population, square footage, and energy use, continued efficiency improvements are projected to largely avoid emissions growth in the commercial sector and drive modest emissions reductions in the residential sector, through 2050. The growth of smart meters and other “intelligent components” enabling a more systems-oriented efficiency approach. Energy Information Administration, from 2007 to 2017, energy intensity decreased 19 percent in residential buildings (million Btu per household) and 15 percent in commercial buildings (thousand Btu per square foot basis) [i. Substantially decarbonizing the building sector requires steps in the near term to reduce the energy demand and carbon intensity of both existing buildings and new construction.Įfficiency standards for equipment and appliances and stronger building codes have helped to significantly improve energy efficiency in the buildings sector. Population and economic growth will also drive substantial increases in the total building stock. Slow turnover means that by mid-century much of the existing U.S. home and commercial building were 37 years and 32 years, respectively. Residential and commercial buildings use large quantities of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other needs. Capitalizing on those opportunities requires aligning incentives among builders, owners and tenants to favor upfront costs that reduce both emissions and long-term costs. Major opportunities to reduce emissions from buildings include increased electrification and greater energy efficiency, including through the use of “intelligent efficiency” technologies.Further efficiency gains will moderate future emissions growth, but the increased useof appliances and electronics is expected to result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.Improvements in energy efficiency have led to emissions reductions in the residential and commercial sectors of 17.3 and 11.4 percent, respectively, since a 2005 peak. Fossil-fuel combustion attributed to residential and commercial buildings accounts for roughly 29 percent of total U.S. ![]() This brief provides an overview of emissions trends and projections, and of decarbonization challenges and opportunities, in the U.S. (Note: Full citations to supporting materials can be found in the pdf version of this brief.) Other briefs focus on Agriculture & Forestry, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Transportation. This is one in a series of briefs prepared as part of C2ES’s Climate Innovation 2050 initiative, which brings together leading companies to examine potential pathways toward substantially decarbonizing the U.S. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |