The energy used for heating, cooling, lighting and powering residential and commercial buildings contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The built environment is responsible for eight percent of total energy-related emissions – and fully 26 percent when electricity generated to power buildings is considered.

Smart building solutions integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels with energy-efficient technologies and intelligent building management systems. These systems optimize energy use within buildings, leading to significant reductions in emissions.

Sustainable construction

Buildings consume some 30 percent of all electricity. However, before the lights are switched on in any building, the work and materials that went into creating that structure generated loads of carbon emissions. Sustainable construction has therefore emerged as a critical piece of the global energy transition.

Supporting sustainable construction

Robots, 3D printing and electric construction vehicles are transforming how we build structures, reducing waste, increasing efficiency and lowering "embodied carbon," the emissions associated with construction activities and materials. Discover how ABB innovations are shaping the future of construction and helping accelerate the energy transition.

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Watch the video: Building for a sustainable energy transition

Animation: Reducing "embodied carbon" with sustainable construction

Energy-efficient buildings

Buildings are full of energy-intensive applications, including HVAC, lighting, elevators and all manner of pumps and fans that move water and air throughout the structure. High-efficiency motors and drives, along with smart building systems and renewable energy sources like solar panels, can substantially reduce buildings’ reliance on fossil fuels and their associated emissions.

ABB and the buildings sector

More on the energy transition

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