ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION

Construction contributes 8- 10 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product, yielding an annual output of $4.6 trillion (U.S.). Building construction and operation have a substantial impact on the environment. Buildings are responsible for:

• 72 percent of U.S. energy consumption
  Source: Energy Environmental Information Administration
• 38 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
  Source: Energy Information Administration
• 13.6 percent of all potable water, or 15 trillion gallons per year
  Source: U.S. Geological Survey
• 40 percent of raw materials usage globally
  Source: Lenssen and Roodman (1995)
• 136 million tons of building-related construction and demolition debris
  Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency