Buildings
Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Social Studies, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: Project Drawdown
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This resource is currently being revised by Project Drawdown but you can still research many of the other solutions in detail on their new Drawdown Explorer page.
- This sector summary briefly outlines the ways we can reduce the emissions from buildings by using more or better insulation, improving heating and cooling systems, and addressing refrigerant leaks, which could make buildings more eco-friendly and healthier.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- There are a number of solutions within this sector listed below the brief article that students can investigate.
- More energy-efficient housing is a topic that is both important and relatable to many students.
Additional Prerequisites
- Browse the solutions within the sector below the article to get an idea of the many solutions available that apply to buildings.
- More specific vocabulary, such as fluorinated gas and refrigerants, could be pre-taught to help with comprehension.
Differentiation
- Provide students with the opportunity to explore the "Solutions in this Sector" links below the article after reading it, possibly utilizing the jigsaw strategy and having students share new learning with other groups.
- The "heat-trapping emissions" link is a lengthy report, so consider summarizing it for students, giving them time to explore the report with a partner, or directing them to the summary for more focused learning on the topic.
- Have students watch this video about why sustainable housing matters and then discuss the pros and obstacles to solutions presented in both resources.
- Discuss environmental justice as it relates to buildings and housing, focusing on the "energy burden" faced by many low-income households and renters.
- Take a deeper dive into energy justice using this lesson plan as a starting point which allows students to analyze real energy data.
- Language arts classes could write a persuasive essay about the importance of shifting energy sources in construction in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The resource introduces a solution to reducing emissions by addressing the amount of energy used in buildings and in the process of construction. It includes a brief discussion of how the construction of buildings and the energy use of buildings contributes to climate change. A few solutions to enhance efficiency and shift energy sources in order to reduce greenhouse gases are included. This site would be a great addition to a lesson discussing alternative methods to reducing carbon emissions. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
