Greenhouse gases (GHG)

Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere. They absorb part of the thermal radiation emitted by the ground, which would otherwise escape into space and emit the absorbed energy back to the earth’s surface as thermal radiation. These gases thus influence the earth’s energy balance and have an effect on the climate. The most important natural greenhouse gas is water vapor. However, this is not directly influenced by humans. The most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and hydrofluorocarbons (CFCs). The current increase in the concentration of these greenhouse gases caused by human activities amplifies the natural greenhouse effect and leads to global warming. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings are responsible for 37% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, with operations accounting for 27% and embodied emissions for 10%.


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