What does "embodied energy" refer to in the context of materials?

Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy that is consumed during all processes associated with the production of a material. This includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and any other processes necessary to produce the final product. By evaluating embodied energy, one can assess the overall environmental impact of materials, as higher embodied energy typically indicates greater resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with that material.

Understanding embodied energy is crucial for making informed decisions about sustainable materials in design and construction. It helps in comparing the sustainability of different materials and in determining the long-term ecological implications of material selection. Reducing embodied energy content is a key strategy in sustainable design practices, aiming to minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources and to lower carbon footprints associated with construction projects.