Environmental Assessment Methods

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Environmental Assessment Methods

Environmental assessment methods are ways in which we can measure the efficiency of how a building is constructed and used in order to help architects, designers and builders maintain an overall standard of international performance and practicality. The assessment follows the building right through from the raw materials to the afterlife of the building.
“We should not sustain society as it is, but change society for sustainability.”
-Fumi Masuda

Why is this important?

Global Warming is increasing and CO2 emissions are continuing to rise due to the burning of fossil fuels and land use change; many countries are now adopting targets for emission reductions. Buildings consume more energy than any other sector and according to the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) the building sector consumes 49% of all energy in the United States. In 2009 47% of global CO2 emissions were a result of construction and buildings and in the UK alone existing buildings account for 17% of the UK's total carbon emissions.The architecture, design and engineering communities have the tools necessary to immediately begin meeting the 2030 challenge.
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