Health

Reducing demand for energy and water reduces electricity generation which can help improve air quality and can thus support health. Below are some of the health impacts of the inspiring resource efficiency efforts by participants within the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (ABBC). The metrics are estimated using the ATHENIA energy modeling system, analyzing local weather and power generation data sets to represent a holistic view of the positive impact of resource efficiency.

Since the program’s inception, the Better Buildings Challenge helped Atlanta avoid

722,709

Metric Tons of CO2

18,531,003 tree seedlings grown for 10 years

In 2017, 31,000 pounds of Nitrogen Oxides were avoided because of the Energy reduction of the buildings in the Atlanta Better Building Challenge

Visualization of 975 cars.
















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Equivalent to 975 passenger vehicles driven for one year

For more information about how these equivalencies were calculated, see the Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator

In 2017, energy reduction in Atlanta Better Building Challenge buildings led to

75,400

fewer pounds of sulfur dioxide in the air.

Want to learn more about the harmful effects of SO2? See the Sulfur Dioxide Pollution Basics

Using 2016 data, these interactive maps reflect the areas positively impacted by the subsequent improved air quality of energy reduction efforts by the buildings in the ABBC. Filters were placed to show the areas that had a societal impact equivalent of $10 or greater evaluating the outlined below metrics. Analyzing energy savings at this level showcases the far-reaching impacts of energy efficiency efforts not only on our ecological resources but also our individual and societal wellbeing.