Greta Jimenez
Buildings have a significant impact on the environment, contributing to air pollution and climate change. The built environment is responsible for a large proportion of global carbon emissions, with building operations, construction, and infrastructure materials accounting for a significant portion of these emissions. Additionally, construction activities and the use of natural gas in buildings can release harmful pollutants and pose health risks. To reduce the environmental impact of buildings, it is crucial to minimize pollution during construction, transition to cleaner sources of energy, and improve energy efficiency in existing buildings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy source | Burning fossil fuels, gas, wood, oil, propane, and biomass |
| Emissions | Greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds |
| Health impact | Lung health, cancer, nitrogen dioxide exposure, carbon monoxide exposure, formaldehyde exposure |
| Construction | Asbestos, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, machinery emissions |
| Prevention | Replacing gas, wood, oil, and propane appliances with electric alternatives, using renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption |
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What You'll Learn
Burning fossil fuels for energy
CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas produced from burning fossil fuels, and it has been linked to climate change and human and environmental health problems. In 2022, CO2 emissions from burning coal for energy accounted for about 19% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions and about 55% of total CO2 emissions from the electric power sector. The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has caused, and will continue to cause, dramatic changes to Earth's climate.
Nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain, which have detrimental effects on the environment. They are deposited back onto the land and wash into nearby water bodies, causing excess nutrients that contribute to pollution, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen-deprived aquatic zones. The presence of excess ammonia in these areas is toxic to aquatic organisms and affects their survival.
The burning of fossil fuels also emits toxic air pollutants, which have been linked to a range of health issues, especially in children. These include respiratory illness, cognitive and behavioural development impairment, and other chronic diseases. Fossil-fuel combustion by-products are a significant threat to children's health and future, contributing to global inequality and environmental injustice.
To reduce the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, businesses can take steps to understand and manage their greenhouse gas emissions, such as preparing annual inventories and setting long-term targets for emission reduction. Additionally, improving the energy efficiency of buildings and transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydropower, are crucial steps towards reducing pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change.
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Construction and renovation
The machinery used in construction, such as diesel-powered equipment, contributes to air pollution by emitting gases like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally, the production and use of materials like cement, steel, and aluminium have a substantial carbon footprint, with cement being a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Construction projects also generate vast amounts of waste, leading to landfill accumulation or incineration, both of which have detrimental ecological consequences.
To minimise the environmental impact of construction and renovation, several measures can be implemented. These include adopting dust control practices, such as using water spraying or physical barriers to prevent dust dispersion. Real-time air quality monitoring is crucial for assessing and mitigating the effects of particulate matter and gases on the environment and nearby communities. Construction companies can also reduce fuel consumption and emissions by utilising alternative, recycled, or salvaged materials.
Green building practices, such as those promoted by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, offer operational savings and improved indoor air quality. By prioritising emission reduction targets, sustainable construction projects, and the use of pollutant-free building materials, the environmental footprint of construction and renovation can be significantly reduced.
Furthermore, during renovation projects, it is essential to prevent the migration of outdoor pollutants into occupied buildings. This can be achieved by sealing exterior doors, covering or wetting down debris to reduce aerosolisation, and regularly changing HVAC filters to prevent the spread of irritating chemicals and volatile organic compounds.
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Natural gas use
Natural gas is a fossil fuel and a major contributor to climate change. It is the primary fuel used in US residences, and its use has been increasing. It is often marketed as a clean energy source, but it does contribute to air and water pollution.
The burning of natural gas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing CO2 levels, trapping heat, and contributing to global climate change. While natural gas is a cleaner-burning resource than coal and liquid petroleum, it still emits a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere in the form of both CO2 and methane. CO2 is released during combustion, the process used to generate electricity. Natural gas combustion accounted for a third of carbon dioxide emissions from the US power sector in 2018.
Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is also released in large quantities during the extraction and transportation of natural gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is about 87 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. Studies show that global methane emissions have spiked dramatically since 2002, mainly due to the boom in natural gas extraction in the US.
The process of extracting natural gas through hydraulic fracturing or fracking can also have negative environmental impacts. This process uses large amounts of water from local water reservoirs, polluting streams and groundwater. Fracking can also cause earthquakes and affect wildlife and land use. Building the infrastructure to transport natural gas from wells to power plants, such as pipelines, can also cause habitat fragmentation and increase the risk of gas leaks, which can have significant environmental impacts.
While natural gas use in buildings is primarily for space heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying, it still contributes to carbon emissions. Upgrading to more efficient boilers and adopting energy-saving behaviours can help reduce emissions from natural gas use in buildings.
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Carbon emissions
Operational carbon emissions from buildings are a major concern. In the United States, buildings account for about 40% of the country's energy use for lighting, heating, cooling, and appliance operation. Natural gas use in buildings contributes to both greenhouse gas emissions and indoor air pollution. Burning natural gas indoors can result in unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, which can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.
Embodied carbon emissions from building materials and construction processes are also significant. The production and transportation of materials such as wood, concrete, and steel contribute to a building's carbon footprint. It is estimated that the manufacture, transport, and assembly of these materials can account for up to 45% of the total energy use of an office building. Additionally, the raw material extraction, manufacturing, and disposal of building products contribute to embodied carbon emissions, which are anticipated to be responsible for most carbon emissions from new buildings and infrastructure in the coming years.
To address these carbon emissions, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Policies and regulations that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and sustainable construction practices can help reduce the building sector's carbon footprint. Building codes, performance standards, energy inspections, and financing tools can incentivize the construction of energy-efficient buildings. Additionally, international collaboration and innovation are crucial to decarbonizing building materials and achieving net-zero emissions targets.
Some regions, such as the European Union, have made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. Between 2005 and 2022, the EU buildings sector reduced total GHG emissions by 34%, driven by higher energy efficiency standards, decarbonization strategies, and warmer temperatures. However, it is important to note that the building sector's energy demand remains high, and sustained investments in energy efficiency are crucial to reducing overall carbon emissions.
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Asbestos use
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of six different types of heat-resistant fibres. It was widely used in construction materials from the 1930s through the 1970s, including in cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls, and pipes. Asbestos was also present in consumer products like ovens, heaters, clothes dryers, and refrigerators.
The use of asbestos in construction materials has led to significant environmental and health risks. Asbestos fibres can be released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged during product use, demolition work, building maintenance, repair, or remodelling. These fibres can remain suspended in the air for hours and then settle into the environment or be inhaled by humans and animals. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. The risk of developing these diseases increases with the level of exposure to asbestos and is further exacerbated by smoking.
To reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, it is recommended to have a building inspected by trained and accredited asbestos professionals if asbestos-containing materials are suspected or known to be present. If materials containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, it is crucial to hire a professional for proper handling and removal. Improper handling can create a new risk of exposure. Regulations have been established by various government entities to ban or regulate the use of asbestos and protect public health. These regulations include standards for testing, safety, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Despite these efforts, the presence of asbestos in older buildings and construction materials remains a concern. Asbestos fibres can contaminate soil through illegal dumping of construction materials or natural deposits of asbestos-containing rocks. Water contamination can also occur due to the past use of asbestos in pipes and drainage systems. The environmental impact of asbestos extends beyond human health, affecting wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Overall, the use of asbestos in buildings has contributed significantly to air, water, and soil pollution, posing a threat to human health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Construction activities can cause significant air pollution. Machinery and vehicles used on construction sites, such as breakers, bulldozers, and excavators, often run on diesel engines, releasing pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Construction sites are responsible for 14.5% of particulate matter in the air and 8% of total emissions in the United States.
Buildings contribute to outdoor air pollution through the burning of fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and cooking. This includes the use of natural gas, oil, propane, and wood, which release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Additionally, electricity used in buildings contributes to emissions, especially when it is generated by burning fossil fuels.
Buildings are responsible for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions. The built environment generates 40% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, with building operations accounting for 27% and construction materials and processes contributing an additional 13%. Reducing energy use in buildings and transitioning to cleaner sources of energy, such as renewables, are crucial steps in mitigating the environmental impact of buildings.
