The United States Green Building Council notes that buildings... ~use 30-40% of the total world energy use. ~contribute 30-40% to manicipal solid waste streams ~contribute 30-40% to all atomspheric emissions ~use 25-30% of the wood and matal used world-wide ~use 25% of potable water world-wide ~occupy signigicant land area. However several buildings have become more sophisticated and improved the overall energy performance.