Buildings emit 40% of energy-related carbon emissions. Around 25% of those emissions are from actual construction and materials. Electricity, lighting, heating and more for buildings are increasing this number, (Carbon Footprint in Construction; Ultimate Guide in 2024 - Neuroject, 2024)

Debris is a transparent killer, polluting the air and us. It travels around without you knowing, and can come in many forms, such as dust. Debris, created from demolition, has many types, but the main one is concrete. Metal and wood debris are also common. Destroying areas can release chemicals that are harmful. This can be easily prevented by being responsible about using these materials (Ehinger, 2024). In the future, turning them into something useful and healthy for the environment could be a solution to the debris climate crisis.

Animals have been effected due to the amount of deforestation for construction materials (Stand For Trees, 2025). They can be killed or injured during the construction of a building. Finding food, breeding, and adapting to climate change is harder now, from noise and light from machinery, since they have to avoid that area. This leads to them needing to travel longer to find food, and/or compete with other animals for resources. Buildings also can block movement. (Wildlife Trusts, n.d.) Deforestation is covered more in our "Causes + Impacts" section.