On average, 41% of global energy consumption can be attributed to buildings and structures. Buildings also produce hazardous emissions that pollute our air, and the construction industry generates more than 170 tons of debris a year. Of those total emissions, construction operations are responsible for 27% per year, while construction and infrastructure materials and construction (commonly referred to as incorporated carbon) are responsible for an additional 13% per year. Unlike operational carbon emissions, which can be reduced over time through energy improvements in buildings and the use of renewable energy, built-in carbon emissions remain fixed as soon as a building is built.
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