There Is a notion of green washing, where you buy a thing thinking it helps but doesn’t actually.
Tesla for example, energy to build the factory, energy to build the car, energy to ship parts, people, the energy use of the people who make the parts and make the car and built the factory. The non recyclables in all of the entire life cycle of every part from raw material to back to raw material.
No the most efficient are cities with efficient public transportation with folks walking or biking the last mile problem. Very few need a car, they either are obtuse themselves or city planning cause the problem via home work distances.
Yes solar will get better but that’s no excuse to delay.
We’re looking at a child born now being old in a world without Florida. Anker’s factory under water.
Organic solar is one example innovation and could be used at the next house building.
Not a big fan of offices unless we get a mixed use city planning where homes, shops, work are mingled so you don’t get a commute rush.