Energy and labor in the construction sector.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Economics
• Engineering

Background:

• The construction industry is a significant contributor to national energy consumption.
• Understanding energy use and employment patterns is crucial for economic and environmental planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the energy and employment impacts of the construction industry using an energy input-output model.
• To determine the effect of construction activities on national energy consumption.
• To analyze energy use and employment patterns within different construction categories.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an energy input-output model encompassing nearly 400 industrial sectors.
• Analyzed data from 1967 to assess national energy consumption and employment.
• Examined energy intensity of building materials and lifetime energy costs.

Main Results:

• Construction activities significantly impact total national energy consumption.
• Identified patterns of energy use and employment across various construction categories.
• Potential for a 20 percent reduction in total energy consumption for new building construction.

Conclusions:

• Selecting less energy-intensive materials and assemblies can decrease energy consumption.
• Minimizing total lifetime energy costs of buildings is achievable through strategic energy expenditure during construction.
• Energy conservation in supplying industries offers further reductions in construction's energy footprint.