As urban areas in the United States continue to expand, there is a growing need to collect data on the impact of high population densities on the environment. While urban areas tend to have higher CO2 emissions per capita, studies have shown that people living in these areas have lower CO2 emissions than their suburban and rural counterparts (Griffith, 13). This is important to consider as we strive towards achieving a net-zero world. By increasing urban populations, we have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, but only if we ensure that buildings in which people live and work are sustainable.
One approach to achieve sustainability in buildings is through green architecture, particularly in commercial buildings. Sustainable measures such as high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting, energy-efficient heating, and cooling systems, alongside renewable energy sources like solar and wind, can drastically improve a building's energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. The integration of green architecture in commercial buildings serves as a great first step toward creating a net-zero world. However, questions arise regarding the feasibility of making these changes and their substantial effects on the clean energy transition.
While the literature on sustainable technologies in urban commercial buildings is extensive, several key findings have emerged. Firstly, energy efficiency is a key factor in determining sustainability. Secondly, standards for sustainable buildings vary between countries, with the US being more lenient than others. Finally, through the implementation of appropriate policy initiatives, sustainable commercial buildings can be expanded using existing technologies at a reasonable cost.
A recurring finding across various literature in this field is that the first step towards enhancing a building’s sustainability, whether in retrofitting or in new builds, is to ensure it is highly energy efficient.