Homes in highrises consume more energy than other forms of housing

But taller and denser isn’t necessarily better for the environment, according to a new study published in the journal npj Urban Sustainability. By studying the full lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of urban development—from the production and transportation of the building materials to the energy required to use and live in buildings over time—an international team of researchers has found that high-rise cities are actually producing more total emissions than shorter, but still dense, urban areas.

What if the first six floors are on the full footprint and the rest of the height is thinner,  was that also a variable of the study?

Where does that place on Sidney island fit into energy use? Travel by private boat only (or helicopter gunship), solar, propane, diesel, gas, etc!

Edited by Matt R., 24 December 2023 - 12:30 PM.

I noticed for the first time a solar panel cleaning outfit in the neighbourhood.

 

We’ve always known big buildings are energy hogs and extremely inefficient.

But they're much more efficient to build, service, and live in. Have we forgotten that whole thing re: enviro-conscious city planners are encouraging lot consolidation for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones?

And the typical highrise building doesn't get torn down and replaced anywhere near as frequently as the typical house or lowrise building.

We can never keep our story straight re: the enviro angle. Advocate for one thing today but advocate for the opposite thing tomorrow.

Heck, we can never keep our story straight re: anything.

But they're much more efficient to build, service, and live in. Have we forgotten that whole thing re: enviro-conscious city planners are encouraging lot consolidation for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones?

 

They’re quite a bit less efficient to build and live in. They do save on the land cost, though.

 

...They’re quite a bit less efficient to build and live in. They do save on the land cost, though...

Which does Canada have more of - land or energy?

Isn’t it more like, degradation over time? Just less efficient? They don’t stop working right at the 20 yr mark or whatever, I’m sure.