Frequently Asked Questions

How much energy is used in buildings in the United States?

Roughly 41% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2010 was used in buildings, or about 40 quadrillion Btu.

EIA has estimates for total monthly and annual energy consumption by the residential and commercial sectors, which can be assumed to be nearly all "building-related," and that those sectors account for nearly all the U.S. building-related energy consumption.

The commercial sector includes some "non-building-related" energy consumption for street and other outdoor lighting, water and sewage treatment, and some other miscellaneous end-uses, but which are relatively minor contributors to that sector's total energy consumption.

EIA has detailed estimates for energy use for specific years in residential and commercial buildings, and for heating, ventilation, cooling, and lighting in manufacturing facilities. Those data do not represent the total energy consumption for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in those years.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2012