Energy Use in Commercial Buildings: What’s Next

If today’s momentum away from coal-fired power generation continues, what could the energy mix for commercial buildings look like in a decade or two?

If recent research is any indication, the breakdown won’t be much different.

The use of coal is projected to increase 11% between 2009 and 2035, with natural gas going up 17%.

Non-hydroelectric renewables (such as wind, solar, and biofuels) are expected to increase 109%, according to the DOE’s Buildings Energy Data Book, but accompanying growth in population (a 27% increase), households (31%), and commercial floor space (28%) is expected in that same timeframe.