Energy Efficiency
& Green Building

Of the following sectors of our economy, which consumes the greatest amount of energy: road transportation, air transportation, chemical/petrochemical industry, iron and steel industry, commercial buildings or residential buildings?

Many are surprised to learn that residential buildings consume the most energy. Consider the energy needed for heating, cooling, lighting and appliances; is it any wonder that our homes are the greatest energy consumers? The U.S. residential sector actually ranks as the single largest energy consumer in the world, and homes world wide account for 25 percent of total energy use, according to a May 2007 report from the McKinsey Global Institute titled "Curbing Global Energy Demand Growth: The Energy Productivity Opportunity."

Recognizing that U.S. buildings use nearly 10 percent of the world's energy and three times more energy than similar buildings in similar climates in Europe, there is an increasing demand for sustainable development and green building practices. The Portland Cement Association (PCA) reports that homes and buildings built with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) have optimal energy performances; insulated concrete walls are not subject to large daily temperature fluctuations. Those who build with insulated concrete forms can expect to save 30 - 50% on there heating and cooling bills.

Concrete is one of the most inert building materials in use. It does not rot, burn or rust, providing durability that outlasts other building materials including wood and steel. The concrete industry recycles common industrial by-products such as fly ash and slag that would otherwise end up in landfills. A large percentage of the remaining ingredients (sand, rock, and water) are found locally thereby reducing concrete's embodied energy (carbon footprint). The production of cement requires less energy than its competitors. According to the Department of Energy, the U.S. cement production accounts for 0.33 percent of energy consumption - lower production levels than steel production at 1.8 percent and wood production at 0.5 percent.

Source: "ConcreteMonthly" December 2007