The Surprising Truth About Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States

Strategic Insights -

Buildings, particularly homes, schools, offices, shops, and manufacturing facilities, are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. This is a staggering fact that only 4% of Americans correctly answer in a survey. A staggering 38% of all carbon emissions in America come from powering these buildings, and according to McKinsey & Company, energy efficiency measures alone can tackle about half the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60 to 90% by 2050. To address this issue, software design firm Autodesk has launched an online game called RETROFITS to educate professionals and the general public about green building issues. The game is designed to be fun and informative, with a focus on raising awareness and engaging people in the conversation about building performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, accounting for 38% of all carbon emissions.
  • Energy efficiency measures can tackle about half the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60 to 90% by 2050.
  • Autodesk's online game, RETROFITS, aims to educate professionals and the general public about green building issues and the benefits of energy-efficient renovations.
  • The game is designed to be fun and informative, with a focus on raising awareness and engaging people in the conversation about building performance.
  • Catherine Palmer, Building Industry Marketing Manager, AEC Solutions, Autodesk, Inc., states that the goal is to "accelerate the ability of architects, engineers, and other building professionals to address building performance."
  • Autodesk has developed software that makes it easier and more affordable to complete a comparative sustainability analysis (energy, water, emissions) pre- and post-green renovations.

Statistics:

  • 38% of all carbon emissions in America come from powering buildings.
  • Energy efficiency measures alone can tackle about half the goal (30-45%) of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60 to 90% by 2050.
  • 4% of Americans correctly answer that buildings are the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
  • 60-90% is the targeted reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Sources:

  • McKinsey & Company
  • Steven Chu, US Secretary of Energy
  • Catherine Palmer, Building Industry Marketing Manager, AEC Solutions, Autodesk, Inc.
  • Euclid Infotech (distributed by Contify.com)
  • Autodesk's sustainability initiatives