Commercial Sector and Energy Use

Abstract

Energy use in commercial buildings is complicated to understand, due to the wide range of building uses and ownership, variations in the size and complexity of energy systems, differences in energy system operation and maintenance, and other factors. The world total final (delivered) energy consumption in the commercial sector is projected to grow at the fastest rate of all sectors through the year 2040, averaging 1.8% per yr from 2010 to 2040, with growth driven by the non-OECD countries, especially Asia (3.9% per yr). Commercial sector delivered energy use is expected to grow from 7.6% of the world total of 403 EJ (exaJoule) in 2010 to 8.5% of 609 EJ by 2040. As national economies grow toward more specialized services and enterprise management, the share of national energy use held by the commercial sector also tends to grow relative to other sectors. Saving 20% of worldwide commercial sector primary energy use would amount to 13 EJ per yr, or 2.4% of world total primary energy use. Increased attention to development of energy efficiency delivery programs for existing commercial buildings is needed to help reduce commercial sector energy growth relative to other sectors in the world economy. This article does not cover air emissions from energy use or indoor environmental quality