Earth Day is April 22, 2024

In honor of Earth Day, our team has curated resources and information on the impact of real estate development on our climate. Keep reading to learn more and find out how we can help your business be part of the solution.

Climate Facts Related to Real Estate

• The buildings and construction sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Building Materials And The Climate: Constructing A New Future Report

• The built environment is responsible for about 42% of annual global CO2 emissions. Architecture 2030 – Why the Built Environment

  Resources

Resources

• AIA – How Building Materials Affect Our Environment

• EPA – Buildings and their Impact on the Environment: A Statistical Summary

Recent News

• Star Tribune – UN climate chief presses for faster action, says humans have 2 years left “to save the world”

• Star Tribune – New study calculates climate change’s economic bite will hit about $38 trillion a year by 2049

We Can Do Detter!

• Implement a sustainable design and construction program (e.g. LEED, B3, Living Building Challenge, or WELL) on ALL projects to force the supply chain to deliver better design, materials, and construction tactics

• Execute green leases – follow the lead of organizations like BOMA for example

• Connect with local non-profit advocacy groups like Fresh Energy to help drive policy changes needed to achieve a carbon-neutral economy

• You can fight climate change, starting right now – reduce your carbon footprint

• Learn more about 45 North’s Renewable Energy Work