Plenary Session, Part 1: Beyond Energy: The Concealed Environmental Impact of Buildings and Residents

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - 8:30am to 10:00am

When it comes to environmental impacts of buildings, operational energy (and to some degree carbon) attracts the most attention. This is likely because buildings currently account for one third of the world’s energy use, and this figure is projected to double by 2050. This presents both a huge challenge and a great opportunity to improve the sustainability of the built environment. Whilst the industry's main focus on operational energy can be justified, it is important to not neglect the other environmental impacts of buildings and residents: water, toxicity, smog, acidification, eutrophication, and more. We agree these are all important environmental impacts in their own right. However, they do not share the same limelight as energy or carbon. This presentation will give a visual overview of the wider environmental impacts of buildings and residents. Dr. Craig Jones will reveal big picture impacts and show how your own local consumption can have unexpected impacts -- even on the other side of the world.

Room / Location: 

Harborview Ballroom

Presenters/Hosts: