In the 20th century, new technologies brought more change to people's lives than at any other time in history. America's cities and rural areas were electrified. Our society became more mobile. we realized the power of technology to instantly communicate around the world.

Much of this change makes our lives easier, but change also brings new challenges - our cities experience sprawl and congestion, and we need to understand the impact these changes have on pollution, global warming, and health. Now the new millennium presents us with new challenges and opportunities to shape our lives for the better.

Visit the "Looking Back" section to take a tour of environmentally friendly dwellings and buildings that existed long before the 20th century.

Learn about milestone accomplishments and innovations in energy and building technology by clicking on "Milestone Buildings". These entries can also be accessed by choosing a decade, for example, 1900 - 1909, or by choosing a name from the alphabetical list A - Z.

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