What is the built environment?

According to the EPA, the built environment encompasses all man-made or modified structures that provide a space for living, working, or recreating. It can also include things like transportation systems (roads, bridges, rails, etc.) and energy distribution and generation infrastructure.

We have separate policy content sections devoted exclusively to transportation and energy because there can often be so much to learn within each of these areas. Here, we focus primarily on the buildings and other structures that people use in their daily lives.

How buildings are connected to climate

Buildings use a lot of energy to heat and cool space, heat water, and run appliances. When this energy is produced from dirty sources of electricity or heat like natural gas, the associated emissions can be high.

Roughly 10% of Washington’s statewide greenhouse gas emissions come from direct use of fossil fuels in buildings. Moving away from dirty sources of electricity in buildings, as well as increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, are crucial to meet Washington’s climate goals.

Not only is energy use in buildings important to address, but so is the embodied carbon in the construction of the building itself. Embodied carbon is the carbon footprint associated with the extraction, manufacturing, and construction of building materials such as steel and concrete.

Globally, these emissions account for roughly 11% of greenhouse gasses. Developing innovative ways to source and reuse these materials is crucial to lower their associated emissions. 

The built environment is not just a source of greenhouse gas emissions – it is where we live, work, and play.

Not only should these buildings and places be built sustainably, they should be conducive to healthy and prosperous communities that everyone can access.

Electrifying buildings will have the added benefit of reducing the negative health impacts associated with exposure to natural gas, such as the heightened risk of respiratory illnesses associated with proximity to gas stoves. Additionally, a built environment that incorporates more green spaces is known to increase mental health and overall quality of life.

However, it is important that the benefits of a clean and healthy environment are distributed equitably – racial disparities in access to green spaces and clean air are prevalent and must be overcome. A sustainable and clean built environment is a top priority for both reducing emissions and creating healthy and just communities.