18 quadrillion (or, these stats will blow your mind)

We're gearing up over here for a major go-to-market initiative. Part of that effort has been researching the impact of the commericial sector when it comes to energy use. I came across a fantastic white paper put out by the Center for Sustainable Systems out of the University of Michigan. I love reports like this one, because they are easily accessible no matter what your level of knowledge about the built environment. I encourage you to download the paper, and give it a read. But in the mean time, here are some amazing stats for the report...

In 2005, the commercial sector consumed 18 quadrillion BTUs of primary energy – a 65% increase over 1980 levels.

Lighting and indoor climate control consumed 50% of commercial sector primary energy in 2006

In 1996, construction, renovation and demolition of non-residential buildings generated 77.4 million tons of waste.  This amounts to 1.6 lbs per capita per day – compared to 4.3 lbs per capita per day from municipal solid waste.

There's a ton more to find in the report. Go check it out.

Have a great weekend.