Embodied Energy Embodied energy is the energy consumed

Embodied Energy “Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a product. “ • Sum total of the energy necessary for an entire product; • It’s all the direct and indirect energy required to produce a product; ØExtraction of resources needed through mining ØManufacturing of materials and equipment ØTransportation and product delivery

Example - Building and Construction • Need to consider the embodied energy of the building materials we use; • Virgin materials vs. Recycled materials – this can vary for each product where reprocessing may cost more due to long transport distances. This table shows the embodied energy of different building materials.

Example - Building and Construction Things to consider to reduce the embodied energy of a building: The table below shows the embodied energy of a building: • Design buildings for long life and adaptability; • Modify or refurbish instead of demolishing; • Ensure materials from demolition of existing buildings, and construction wastes are reused or recycled; • Use locally sourced materials to reduce transport; • Select low embodied energy materials – which also include materials made with recyclable content; • Give preference to materials manufactured using renewable energy sources. Generally the more processed a material is the higher the embodied energy.

Embodied Emissions in Everyday Life? What you can do in your everyday life to consider the embodied energy of products to reduce CO 2 emissions? üFood miles • Buy fruit and veg that is in season and sourced locally üEat less Beef – has high embodied energy due to: • Production of feed for animals; • Length of time to grow animals to maturity compared with plants; • The feeding of animals • The animals weight which is a factor in transport emissions. üBuy food with less package – energy goes into making this packaging üPurchase goods that are made from recyclable materials where possible i. e. Earth Saver range in Corporate Express; üUse Aluminium foil sparingly and reuse where possible.