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Embodied energy


The embodied energy of construction materials has been of increasing concern over recent years. As new buildings become more efficient in energy consumption during their operation, so the proportion of the energy consumed to construct the building and to manufacture the materials of construction becomes greater. The energy consumed has significant environmental impact both because of its use of natural resources but also because of the pollution caused by the products of combustion.
Traditionally considered, embodied energy is an accounting methodology which aims to find the sum total of the energy necessary - from the raw material extraction, to transport, manufacturing, assembly, installation as well as the capital and other costs of a specific material - to produce a service or product and finally its disassembly, deconstruction and/or decompostion. It is measured in KWh per tonne or cubic metre.
Embodied energy is the energy associated with the production of the materials used in the building structure, services and finishes. A new building will have a relatively high embodied energy component Embodied energy whereas a recycled building will have a relatively low embodied energy component as that energy associated with the existing structure and retained components is not counted. In addition, there will be energy associated with the disposal of the building.
Operating energy
Operating energy is that associated with the running of the building systems such as heating and ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and power and vertical transportation.
A companion study of operating energy (Lu Aye et al, 1999) has analysed accommodation options to establish the energy requirements over a life of 25 years
Transport energy
Transport energy is that energy associated with the location of the premises. If a location with good access to public transport is selected, then the...