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Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Understanding the Energy Story Behind Buildings
Sustainability in construction has become a major focus for homeowners, developers, and architects alike. While much attention is given to the operational energy required to run buildings — such as heating, cooling, and lighting — one critical aspect often remains overlooked: embodied energy. This invisible factor plays a significant role in determining a building’s total environmental impact and deserves careful consideration during both design and construction phases.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of embodied energy, why it matters, and how your choice of building materials can influence the sustainability of your home.
What is Embodied Energy?
Embodied energy refers to the total energy consumed during the extraction, processing, manufacturing, transportation, and assembly of building materials. This energy is “locked in” during the construction phase, long before the building is operational. For example, the energy used to mine iron ore, manufacture steel beams, and deliver them to a construction site all contribute to embodied energy.
While operational energy (the energy used to run a building) can be optimized over the years through energy-efficient upgrades, embodied energy is fixed from…
