Final answer:
Most skyscrapers are energy-inefficient due to their large surface area, which results in significant heat losses in the winter and gains during the summer, thus requiring more energy for temperature control.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason most skyscrapers are energy-inefficient is their large surface area. The increase in surface area can lead to more significant heat losses in the winter and heat gains during the summer, necessitating more energy for regulation of the building's temperature. Despite advances in technology, the physics of large structures with extensive exteriors still presents challenges in maintaining energy efficiency. Skyscrapers often have glass facades that do not have the thermal properties of more solid materials, thereby increasing the demand for heating and cooling.
In contrast to skyscrapers, a well-designed house focuses on features like thick walls, thick insulation, double-paned windows, and the use of thermal masses to absorb and release heat, which can significantly reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling. Skyscrapers also typically use a great deal of concrete, which has a high embodied energy but is not necessarily a factor in their ongoing energy inefficiency in terms of heating and cooling requirements.
It is worthwhile to note that some modern skyscrapers are incorporating energy-efficient designs, such as better insulation and strategic window placement, to counteract these challenges and decrease their overall energy footprint.