Designing and constructing healthy, efficient, and resilient buildings for a sustainable future
Why green building matters
Global energy-related CO₂ emissions from buildings
Global final energy consumption from buildings
Potential emissions reduction through green building by 2050
Buildings are responsible for 39% of global CO₂ emissions when accounting for both operational energy (heating, cooling, lighting) and embodied carbon (materials, construction). With 2.4 trillion square feet of new floor area expected by 2060—equivalent to adding an entire New York City to the world every month for 40 years—how we build will define our climate future.
Sources for: "Building sector emissions and energy consumption"
Passive design harnesses natural energy flows to maintain comfort with minimal mechanical systems. Buildings optimized for passive strategies can reduce energy consumption by 60-90% compared to conventional construction—often at zero additional cost when incorporated during design.
Sources for: "Passive design energy savings"
The building envelope is the most cost-effective efficiency investment. Passive House standard buildings use 90% less energy for heating and cooling than typical code-built structures through exceptional insulation and airtightness. Return on investment: 8-12 years, with comfort and health benefits that last the building's lifetime.
vs. code minimum R-13 to R-21
Materials: Dense-pack cellulose, mineral wool, rigid foam board
vs. code minimum R-38 to R-49
Critical zone: 25-40% heat loss through inadequate roof insulation
vs. typical R-10 or uninsulated
Often-neglected zone with massive heat loss
Sources for: "Building envelope performance and Passive House standards"
Material selection determines a building's embodied carbon—emissions from manufacturing, transport, and installation. With operational emissions declining due to efficiency improvements and grid decarbonization, embodied carbon now represents 20-50% of a building's lifetime emissions. Low-carbon materials can reduce embodied emissions by 40-70%.
Sources for: "Embodied carbon and sustainable building materials"
Additional Upfront Cost
For high-performance green buildings vs. conventional
Energy Cost Savings
Annual operational savings
Property Value Premium
For certified green buildings
Green buildings deliver financial returns far exceeding upfront premiums. Over a 20-year building lifecycle, a Passive House saves $150,000-$300,000 in energy costs (typical home) with only $15,000-$40,000 additional upfront investment—a 10:1 to 20:1 return.
Sources for: "Green building costs and return on investment"