regionUnited States
These graphs show the changes in emissions, emissions drivers, and policy in the Buildings sector in the US
Emissions grew slowly, but steadily, until 2005, when emissions peaked and slowly declined.
Total building stock, as reflected by total floor space statistics, grew steadily, while the increase in residential floor space between 1995 and 2005 was particularly noteworthy.
Emissions Drivers
Contribution of key drivers to increase or decrease of annual buildings emissions
Growth in population and floor space per person were the largest drivers of buildings emissions. In the late 2000's, energy efficiency gains caught up with slowing floor space growth.
Efficiency spending by federal and local governments increased over the last decade, with a spike due to the 2009 stimulus.
Building codes tightened steadily — particularly for commercial buildings where the federal government played a larger role.