The buildings sector
(residential & commercial)
The direct and indirect emissions from the buildings sector represents about 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Within the buildings sector, the residential sub-sector represents 76% of the primary energy consumption, but only 63% of emissions, while the commercial sector represents 24% of primary energy consumption but 37% of emissions. EU, USA and Canada stand for 63% of the sector emissions.
Energy consumption within the sector is expected to grow by 50% until 2030, but with a 70% increase in emissions. This is partly driven by a fuel shift towards electricity. Abatement opportunities that can limit the emissions growth to 26% for this sector have been identified. All of this potential comes at a negative or zero cost. The primary opportunities are:
- Heating and ventilation including building envelope improvements, water heating and air conditioning are the largest levers for both residential and commercial buildings
- Lighting mainly in residential building
- Improving other appliances and reducing standby losses
Additional potential at less than €40/tCO2e is available with even more aggressive standards and programs.
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