Decarbonization in Multiple Sectors

Decarbonization — reducing the amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere — is increasingly becoming a priority for local governments in the building construction and energy sectors. In 2022, the Biden administration released the first-ever federal building performance standard, aiming for increased electrification and net-zero emissions in all federal buildings by 2045. Geothermal systems, a key decarbonization strategy for the energy sector, also gained traction in 2023, with the U.S. Department of Energy funding community-scale demonstration projects.

Enhancing the efficiency of existing buildings can significantly cut carbon emissions and save costs. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Energy on its Better Buildings Initiative, 28 Fortune 100 companies and more than 90 state and local governments have collectively saved nearly $22 billion since 2011 through energy efficiency improvements. These approaches, combined with passive design strategies, are equally valuable for new construction projects, such as a Boston skyscraper built in 2024 that uses 150 percent less energy than comparable buildings. Planners should take these practices and standards into account when considering new developments in their communities.