What are the environmental impacts of real estate development?.

Real estate development significantly impacts the environment through habitat destruction, increased carbon emissions, and high resource consumption. Sustainable practices are essential to mitigate these effects.

Key Facts

• Over 40% of global energy consumption is linked to buildings.
• Urban sprawl can lead to the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity.
• Green building practices can reduce energy use by 30-50%.
• Construction accounts for about 23% of global CO2 emissions.

Examples or Use Cases

• Sustainable urban planning can integrate green spaces to enhance biodiversity.
• Developers adopting LEED certification can significantly decrease their ecological footprint.

FAQs

Q: How does real estate development affect local wildlife?
A: Development often leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening local species.
Q: What are green building practices?
A: These practices include energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials that lessen environmental impact.