Green Building Statistics

The environmental impacts of buildings
We all know that transportation has a profound impact on the environment. Automobiles account for 22% of all CO2 emissions in the United States while transporation as a whole - planes, trains and automobiles - account for 33% of all CO2 emissions (including freight). But few of us realize the impact our homes and offices have on the environment.

► Our buildings consume 40% of all energy used in the United States and 72% of all electricity generated (Environmental Information Administration 2008, EIA Annual Energy Outlook)

► Our buildings account for 38% of all CO2 emissions in the United States - more than all the transportation activity combined (Energy Information Administration 2008, Assumptions to the Annual Energy Outlook)

► Our buildings use 40% of raw materials globally - 3 billion tons annually (Source: Lenssen and Roodman 1995, Worldwatch Paper 124: A Building Revolution: How Ecology and Health Concerns are Transforming Construction, Worldwatch Institute)

► The EPA estimates that 136 million tons of building-related construction and demolition debris is generated in the U.S. annually - that’s 40% of the total solid waste stream sent to landfills each year (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1997, U.S. EPA Characterization of Building-Related Construction and Demolition Debris in the United States)


Green building benefits
Green building increases building value, decreases utility expense, maximizes resources and minimizes environmental impact. Green buildings are crafted to exceed building code and are cost-effective to own and operate without sacrificing quality of construction.

Green building:

► Increases property value: U.S. homebuyers are willing to pay 11-25% more for green homes

► Feeds a growing demand: demand for green homes is expected to rise 900% over the next 5 years – an industry rise from $2 billion to over $200 billion

► Gives buyers what they want: 40% of current home remodels are constructed with green products

► Shows buyers what they will save: green buildings typically have 30% lower utility expenses and are equipped with products that last longer and perform better

Source: http://www.ecorate.com