Overview

According to the EPA, buildings in the United States produce 13% of the emissions and consume 40% of the electricity generated. According to Project Drawdown, worldwide residential and commercial buildings produce 6% of heat-trapping emissions and use more than half of all the electricity generated.

Reducing emissions related to buildings is critical, and we offer ways to achieve that goal in this Track. In addition, it is our intention to help you see the built environment from a wider perspective – to think beyond the four walls, roof and electric meter. The built environment is more than just the building. It incorporates nature, addresses the comfort and safety of the occupants, and fosters a respectful relationship with neighbors. When you have this wider perspective, new ways to address sustainable issues emerge that will allow you to impact your built environment.

The Big Opportunities and speakers in this track provide options to reduce emissions, improve buildings and adjacent spaces, improve occupant well-being, and to make these improvements more financially attractive by highlighting worker productivity and increasing market demands.

Big Opportunities

Below are some selected actions and concepts to get you started…

• Existing Buildings – Retrofit for energy efficiency

• New Buildings – Design to be smart, Net Zero, and environmentally integrated

• Renewables – Use renewable energy sources

• Healthy Buildings – Impact on environment, occupants, and community

• Policies - Advocate for policies, standards and codes that are climate-friendly and inclusive

Please click on the READ MORE below for a deeper dive into the content and resources available to support you in these opportunities.