#building-emissions

#building-emissions

When the first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885 - a modest ten storeys - people were afraid to walk under the steel-framed building, fearing it would collapse. Today, as towers made of wood go up in cities around the world, the response is a similar mixture of wonder and fear. People are concerned about the fire risk and the structural stability, but the truth is that wooden construction is healthier, both for people and for the planet.

A new type of window on the verge of mass production in the United States will provide a new vision for architects and builders seeking to marry design with energy efficiency. This window, made from millimeter-thin glass panels, can achieve exceptional energy efficiency scores and make a significant difference in global emissions. Buildings account for about 30% of global energy consumption, and about half of the energy use in residential and commercial buildings is used for heating and cooling.