Brian Barton
The buildings and construction sector is a major contributor to global pollution, emitting an estimated 40% of global emissions annually. This includes emissions from both the construction process and the everyday operations of buildings. Burning fossil fuels to power buildings is a significant source of outdoor and indoor air pollution, with natural gas use posing a particular threat to health and safety. The transition to clean electricity and zero-emission energy sources is crucial to reducing emissions and improving health outcomes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global emissions that come from buildings and construction | 37% |
| Number of early deaths attributed to air pollution from stationary sources each year | 48,000-64,000 |
| Cost of health impacts caused by stationary sources in 2017 | $615 billion |
| Percentage of global energy-related carbon emissions released from buildings | 40% |
| Cost of air pollution to the global economy each year | $5 trillion |
| Number of deaths attributable to the use of unclean cookstoves each year | 3.8 million |
| Percentage of particulate matter (PM10) emissions that construction accounts for in London | 30% |
| Percentage of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions that construction accounts for in London | 8% |
| Percentage of nitrous oxide emissions that construction accounts for in London | 4% |
| Amount of floor space expected to be added to the global building stock from 2020 to 2060 | 2.6 trillion ft2 (241 billion m2) |
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What You'll Learn
Burning gas, wood, and biomass in buildings
The combustion of gas, wood, and biomass releases fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which includes solid particles and liquid droplets. These particles can be as small as 2.5 microns or less, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, stroke, asthma, autism spectrum disorder, and premature mortality. The health impacts of burning gas, biomass, and wood in buildings are substantial, with early deaths attributed to air pollution from stationary sources estimated to be between 48,000 and 64,000 annually in the United States alone.
Wood burning, particularly in residential buildings, plays a significant role in air pollution. While gas is the dominant fuel source in most US homes, wood leads to higher health impacts in many states due to its emission of higher levels of primary PM2.5. Additionally, burning wood releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and other toxic compounds. The use of “clean wood” from forestry sources, as opposed to construction or demolition debris, does not mitigate these issues, as it still emits hazardous chemicals when burned.
Biomass burning, including the use of wood pellets and charcoal, is also a major source of air pollution. While biomass is considered a renewable and carbon-neutral energy source, biomass burners emit significant amounts of pollutants similar to those released by coal. These emissions include hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), such as styrene, acrolein, formaldehyde, and acid gases like hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acid. The burning of “urban wood,” which may contain lead-painted wood or wood treated with copper chromium arsenate, further exacerbates the release of HAPs, posing serious health and environmental risks.
To address the health and environmental impacts of burning gas, wood, and biomass in buildings, it is essential to transition to cleaner energy sources and improve building electrification. Policymakers play a crucial role in regulating building emissions and promoting all-electric construction to reduce pollution and safeguard public health. Additionally, the use of fuel-efficient cooking stoves and the planting of fast-growing trees for fuel can help slow deforestation and improve the environment, especially in low-income countries where wood and charcoal are commonly used for cooking and heating.
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Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from liquids or solids and are also hazardous to human health. VOCs are released from a variety of sources, including repellents, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, paint, pesticides, and dry-cleaned clothing. Additionally, VOCs can contaminate groundwater, generating toxic vapors that infiltrate buildings and degrade indoor air quality. This process, known as vapor intrusion, can lead to health issues such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea, and potential damage to vital organs.
The presence of NOx and VOCs in the building sector has substantial health implications. According to a study, burning gas, wood, and biomass in buildings has more detrimental health effects than burning coal in several states. This is particularly prominent in commercial buildings, where gas is the leading fuel source contributing to early deaths and health costs. Residential buildings are mainly affected by wood-burning, followed by gas.
To mitigate the impact of NOx and VOCs, it is essential to monitor and reduce their emissions. Homeowners can utilize home air quality monitors to detect high levels of nitrogen oxides and take preventive measures. Additionally, understanding the US EPA list of pollutants can help individuals make informed choices when purchasing new products or furniture to minimize indoor pollution. Policymakers also play a crucial role in regulating building emissions and promoting electrification, ensuring that new constructions are all-electric and environmentally sustainable.
In conclusion, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significant contributors to building pollution, posing risks to human health. Sources of these pollutants include various household products, combustion processes, and the burning of specific fuels. By monitoring emissions, adopting preventive measures, and implementing regulations, we can work towards reducing the health and environmental impacts associated with NOx and VOCs in the building sector.
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The impact of particulate matter (PM2.5)
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less. To put this size into perspective, a single human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter, making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle.
PM2.5 particles are emitted directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires. They also form in the atmosphere through complex reactions of chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries, and vehicles. These fine particles can be carried over long distances by wind and settle on the ground or water, impacting the environment and human health.
The health risks associated with PM2.5 are significant. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart or lung diseases. It also contributes to reduced lung function growth in children and adverse effects in older adults, children, and infants. In California, PM2.5 exposure is estimated to cause approximately 5,400 premature deaths annually due to cardiopulmonary issues. Additionally, it leads to thousands of hospitalizations and emergency room visits for cardiovascular, respiratory, and asthma-related issues.
The impact of PM2.5 extends beyond human health. It is the primary cause of reduced visibility (haze) in many parts of the United States, including national parks and wilderness areas. PM2.5 can also stain and damage materials, including culturally significant objects, through processes similar to acid rain.
Addressing the impact of PM2.5 requires a multi-faceted approach. Reducing emissions of pollutants that form PM2.5 is crucial, and regulations and standards, such as those set by the EPA, play a vital role in improving air quality. Additionally, transitioning to cleaner energy sources and fuels in buildings can significantly reduce health burdens associated with PM2.5 exposure.
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Construction and demolition waste
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 600 million tons of C&D debris were generated in the country in 2018, more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste. This waste is not included in municipal solid waste (MSW) and is instead classified and managed separately by the EPA. The EPA promotes a Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) approach that encourages the reuse and recycling of C&D materials to reduce waste generation and preserve natural resources.
C&D waste can be reduced through various source reduction measures, such as preserving existing buildings, optimizing the size of new buildings, designing adaptable structures, using construction methods that allow for disassembly and material reuse, and reducing interior finishes. Deconstruction, the process of carefully dismantling buildings to salvage components for reuse and recycling, is another effective method to minimize waste and maximize resource recovery.
Additionally, C&D materials can be processed and incorporated into the manufacture of new materials. For example, C&D asphalt can be used in the production of asphalt mixtures. Reusing and recycling C&D materials can also be more economical than disposal, with local jurisdictions often offering knowledge of private recycling options.
With the anticipated growth in building and infrastructure from 2020 to 2060, expected to add about 2.6 trillion ft2 (241 billion m2) of new floor area globally, the management of C&D waste becomes even more critical to reducing pollution and achieving sustainability goals.
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Natural gas use in buildings
Natural gas is a naturally occurring compound of gaseous hydrocarbons, primarily methane (95%), with small amounts of higher alkanes, and traces of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and helium. It is a fossil fuel formed from the thermal decomposition of organic matter, usually marine microorganisms, over millions of years.
Natural gas is the primary fuel used in U.S. residences, with over one-third of households (approximately 40 million homes) cooking with gas. It is a powerful domestic fuel, reaching temperatures of over 1,100 °C (2,000 °F). In addition to cooking, gas is used for heating and hot water, with some miscellaneous uses. Natural gas is supplied directly to homes through pipes, and is used for central heating, boilers, furnaces, and water heaters.
Natural gas is a major energy source for U.S. commercial buildings, with the commercial sector accounting for about 10% of total U.S. natural gas consumption in 2023. Some commercial buildings use natural gas to generate electricity and heat spaces with combined heat and power systems.
The use of natural gas in buildings has significant health and environmental impacts. Burning gas, along with wood and biomass, leads to substantial health burdens, with early deaths attributed to air pollution from stationary sources estimated at between 48,000 and 64,000 a year. Gas is the leading fuel source contributing to early deaths and health costs in commercial buildings, while in residential buildings, wood dominates, followed by gas.
To reduce the negative impacts of natural gas, some countries and states are transitioning away from its use. The Netherlands, for example, is subsidizing a shift away from natural gas for all homes by 2050, while U.S. cities like New York State and Amsterdam have banned new gas appliance hookups.
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Frequently asked questions
Buildings are responsible for 40% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. This includes emissions from building operations, materials, and construction.
Air pollution from buildings contributes to early deaths and health costs. It is estimated that 3.8 to 4 million deaths per year are attributed to exposure to household air pollutants, particularly from the combustion of fuels for cooking and heating.
The main sources of building pollution are the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, biomass, wood, and coal, as well as electricity use.
Building pollution can be mitigated by transitioning to clean electricity and improving energy efficiency through the use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient appliances, and better building design and construction.
Building pollution has significant economic impacts. It is estimated that air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion every year in welfare costs. In the United States, building pollution resulted in an estimated $615 billion in health impacts in 2017, with buildings contributing approximately one-third of that cost.
