Why is it important to reduce energy consumption and resource use in buildings?
Building construction and operation currently account for close to 50% of all U.S. energy consumption and most of that energy consumption uses fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a finite resource – natural gas, coal and oil are being depleted at a pace that doesn’t match current trends in consumption. In addition, most energy consumption of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, and damages the environment and human health in other ways, with the release of mercury, sulfur, particulates, and other harmful chemicals. Most building practices of the past 50 years are not sustainable.
