B_0316_News_bluebuilding

Building Energy Consumption Slows in the U.S.

March 21, 2016

Green design, improved equipment drive efficient performance.

Efforts to reduce commercial building energy use are seeing results, with data from the EIA showing that even with a 14% increase in facilities and 22% growth in floor space between 2003 and 2012, energy consumption rose just 7% and saw a small decline on a per square foot basis. The 2012 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) points to two main reasons for the slowdown in growth: an increased focus on energy efficiency in the design and construction phases of new buildings as well as improved equipment efficiency.

Office and education facilities stood out in the report as the only two building types that saw a change over the study period, each seeing a small decrease in energy consumption from 2003 to 2012. The CBECS also found that lighting’s energy consumption dropped 46% within the nine years, with CFL and LED replacements for incandescent fixtures responsible for most of the drop.

Looking to cut consumption in your facility? Check out these 5 common areas of energy waste to get started.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...