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Embodied energy

The total energy involved in developing an item to its existing state, including energy consumed in raw materials, processing and manufacturing and transportation. Embodied energy measurements also include the proportion of energy consumed in manufacturing the machinery and vehicles involved in these processes, together with the construction and maintenance of the associated buildings and roads. Embodied energy is calculated using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) techniques.

Quick fact: Embodied energy can be equivalent to a decade or more of a building's operational energy use during its lifetime. When deciding whether to refurbish or newly build an office it is important to consider both the operational energy use and its source, along with the energy required to deliver the building.

Related terms:

• Carbon footprint
• Carbon Neutral
• Carbon Offsetting
• Climate Change
• Climate Change Levy
• Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
• Emissions trading
• Energy efficiency
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations
• Micro-generation
• Renewable Energy