Buildings generate around 39 percent of global carbon emissions

The built environment accounts for 39 percent of worldwide carbon emissions, with energy from building operations accounting for 28 percent

FREMONT, CA: According to a survey by global commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, the built environment accounts for 39 percent of worldwide carbon emissions, with energy from building operations accounting for 28 percent. Around 40 percent of the world's mined resources are used in the built environment, and demolition and building debris is the largest single waste stream in many countries. Building and construction together account for 39 percent of worldwide carbon emissions, with operational emissions from energy needed to heat, cool, and light buildings accounting for 28 percent of those.

Embodied carbon emissions, or upfront carbon connected with materials and construction processes throughout the building lifecycle and value chain, account for the remaining 11 percent. While new buildings perform better on sustainability indicators, the majority of buildings in Asia-Pacific economies are old. It is critical to reduce carbon emissions related to the real estate industry.