Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Energy in Buildings

• Buildings are responsible for 40% of total annual U.S. energy consumption (by comparison, the transportation sector consumes 28%; industry consumes 32%)
• Of total U.S. resources, buildings use about 70% of electricity, 60% of raw materials (excluding food and fuel), 53% of natural gas, 12% of potable water, and 8% of petroleum
• Over $80 billion dollars are spent every year on electricity and natural gas in buildings
• Lighting alone comprises nearly a quarter of a building’s total energy consumption