We expect much from buildings and often take them for granted, particularly regarding the role that buildings play in our overall energy consumption. A typical home or commercial building could be consuming energy for more than 100 years, so the sustainability decisions we make now will have an impact that will last for generations.

Buildings matter. We work, live, eat, sleep and play in buildings daily. We expect them to be properly heated, cooled and lighted. We expect them to withstand the typical forces of sun, wind, rain and snow. We even expect them to protect us during the not-so-typical events that nature throws at us, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and earthquakes. But we often take our buildings for granted, especially regarding their energy use and their role in our overall energy consumption.

This article provides some background on the key role buildings play in any discussion of sustainability. A subsequent article will discuss the role of standards in helping to accomplish sustainability objectives.

Buildings consume more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy.¹ From initial construction to day-to-day operations, maintenance and repair, the energy consumption of most buildings will have a huge impact on the planet for decades.

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