Buildings
Buildings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through the electricity and energy used to power, heat, and cool interiors. In 2017, Georgia’s commercial and residential buildings were responsible for about 30% of the state’s emissions. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — the chemicals used to cool refrigerators and air conditioners — are an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Controlling leaks, replacing HFCs with alternative refrigerants, and properly disposing of existing HFCs are all essential actions to take globally. Businesses can reduce both the emissions associated with the full life cycle of the building, known as embodied emissions, and operational building emissions, by implementing low-carbon practices.
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Increased industrial and commercial recycling, increased paper recycling and increased recycling at the community/household level can reduce greenhouse gas emissions because recycling materials is often less energy intensive than creating new materials.
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Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — the chemicals used to cool refrigerators and air conditioners — are an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Controlling leakages and replacing HFCs with alternative refrigerants as well as properly disposing of existing HFCs is a critical issue globally.
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Buildings use electricity and natural gas for heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC), water heating, lighting, and to power appliances and electronic devices — up to 30% of greenhouse gases globally comes from these energy hogs. Retrofitting existing buildings to make them more efficient has tremendous potential to accelerate our progress.
Solution Insights
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Sustainable Building in Georgia: The Potential of Mass Timber Construction
To lower embodied building emissions, mass timber construction offers multiple co-benefits to emissions reduction, including the promotion of sustainable forest management in Georgia. The use of sustainably harvested timber aligns with the goals of the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact, providing a practical means for businesses to contribute to the state's commitment to lower emissions and promote a sustainable built environment.
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