Green Building Basics

Green buildings contribute to more than 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

The US and Western Europe are responsible for the largest growth of carbon dioxide emissions.

Half of the new buildings over the next three decades will occur in the US.

Energy-efficient and green buildings will have no impact on global climate change.

The global temperature increase can be completely stopped in the next 30 years.

Almost all of the 40 largest cities in the world are in the currently developed world.

Green buildings are more expensive to own and operate.

The use of sustainable materials in green buildings does not reduce the environmental and infrastructure effects of construction.

Only a small percentage of the built environment in the US will be new or renovated by 2035.

Renewable energy systems are only available in developed countries.

Green Buildings in a Global Context

Buildings account for over 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global climate change.

Global Emissions and Climate Change

The US, Western Europe, Canada, and Japan currently contribute the majority of greenhouse gas emissions.
However, rapid growth of carbon dioxide emissions is projected in China, India, Asia, Brazil, and Russia, making global cooperation crucial for reducing carbon footprint.

The Importance of Green Buildings

The entire world needs to participate in reducing carbon footprint over the next 30 years to tackle global climate change.
Focusing on energy-efficient and green buildings is essential, as half of new buildings in the next three decades will be in China alone.

Benefits of Green Buildings

Green buildings can reduce energy use, which will also cut water use from thermal power plants, estimated to use half the water supply.
They can also provide affordable housing for the poor, which is healthier, more resource-efficient, and cheaper to own and operate.

Global Urbanization

Most of the 40 largest cities in the world are in developing countries, such as Brazil, India, Pakistan, and China.
Only a few cities in the US, Japan, Russia, and Western Europe are among the top 40 by population.

The Future of Green Buildings

Green buildings need to be introduced on a massive worldwide scale to halt the growth of carbon dioxide emissions and avoid severe climate changes.
By 2035, three-quarters of the built environment in the US will be either new or renovated, representing over 28 billion square meters of construction.

Learn the fundamentals of green building, its significance in the global context, and its role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and combating global warming.