Week One - Energy and Innovation
Safety and sustainability relies on action at the individual and community level. The building safety industry is focused on creating safe & sustainable construction by addressing the key areas of energy efficiency, building science and innovation.
The International Code Council works with its industry partners and membership to address the needs of individual communities around the world. Each community is unique – some are leading the way in green building practices and carbon reduction efforts while others are just getting started.
No matter where your community is on this journey and by taking actions in your own home, you can help by learning about safety and sustainability and the innovative technologies that are paving the way for a better future for all of us.
The Impact of Energy Use in Our Communities
Energy fuels our lives. Yet, energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions can pose significant challenges to communities, homeowners and renters, and business owners. For example:
- Americans currently spend more than $200 billion annually on energy bills.
- Energy use impacts housing affordability. Low-income households spend three times as much on energy bills as higher income households.
- Globally, buildings and building construction sectors combined are responsible for over one-third of global final energy consumption and nearly 40 percent of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions.