With renewable energy being a global choice in generating power, the way we consume energy from non-coal resources also adapts to these changes. It is important that we not only know where our energy comes from, but also how to use them efficiently.

America’s buildings use 36% of the overall annual energy consumption, and 65% of the electricity demand. They also account for 30% of the total carbon dioxide (which is the primary greenhouse gas associated with atmospheric warming), 49% of the sulfur dioxide, and 25% of the nitrogen oxides emitted in the U.S., according to the EPA.

While majority of the energy sources used in buildings are from fossil fuels, the building sector also has the highest potential for energy efficiency, according to the National Institute of Building Sciences. Designing and developing buildings that apply a comprehensive, integrated approach using clean technologies can dramatically help reducing load, lower costs, increase efficiency, and achieve optimal energy.

Many states in the U.S. have already adopted policies, both federal and local, to implement and incentivize use of renewable sources and energy efficiency measures. These include the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, and Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Renewable energy sources are virtually limitless, but we also have a responsibility to ensure that we optimize our use of energy. The National Institute of Building Sciences’ Whole Building Design Guide laid out key recommendations:

• Reduce heating, cooling, and lighting loads through climate-responsive design and conservation practices
• Specify efficient HVAC and lighting systems
• Employ renewable or high-efficiency energy sources
• Optimize building performance and system control strategies
• Deep energy retrofits
• Sustainability and energy security
• Cyber security