A recent study developed by the United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP) shows better architecture and energy savings in buildings could do more to fight global warming than all greenhouse gas reductions specified under the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol, according to a Reuters report (Alister Doyle, 03/29/07).

 

The report,

Buildings and Climate Change: Status, Challenges and Opportunities,

states that better use of concrete, metals, and timber in construction and less use of energy for home and office appliances and lighting could save billions of dollars in a sector that accounts for 30 to 40 percent of world energy use.

 

The study found that homes use the most energy, ahead of stores, offices, and other commercial and industrial buildings like schools and hospitals. The report urges global action to promote greener buildings, and suggests several measures, such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, using better insulation and ventilation, and avoiding building homes that are larger than necessary.

 

To learn more, read the article or visit the U.N. Environment Programme website.

 

 

 

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