Buildings, Energy and Decarbonization

Explore comprehensive strategies for reducing carbon emissions in the building sector through this Stanford University lecture delivered by Peter Rumsey, a leading expert in building energy systems and decarbonization. Examine how energy is consumed in buildings and discover the dual pathways to decarbonization: addressing embodied carbon from construction materials and operational carbon from ongoing energy use. Learn about the significant climate impact of buildings, which account for a substantial portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Dive deep into operational decarbonization strategies including energy efficiency improvements, electrification of heating and cooling systems, and integration of renewable energy sources. Understand the barriers that impede widespread building decarbonization and analyze real-world case studies that demonstrate successful implementation of these strategies. Gain insights into the technical, economic, and policy considerations that influence building energy performance and carbon reduction efforts. The lecture covers practical approaches for both new construction and existing building retrofits, providing a thorough understanding of how the built environment can contribute to climate goals through strategic energy management and technology adoption.