Energy

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Understanding the Energy Story Behind Buildings by Jonnel Mamauag

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 the start. As a result, reducing embodied energy early in the design and material selection process is crucial for lowering a building’s overall carbon footprint.

The Environmental Cost of Common Materials

Different building materials have varying levels of embodied energy, which significantly impacts the overall environmental cost of a structure. Here are some common materials and their typical embodied energy values:

  • Concrete: Widely used in construction, concrete has high embodied energy due to the energy-intensive process of producing cement. Manufacturing one ton of cement requires roughly 4.7 million BTUs of energy.

  • Steel: Although highly durable, steel also has high embodied energy. Producing one ton of steel consumes around 20.3 million BTUs of energy. However, steel’s recyclability offers potential for reducing its environmental impact.

  • Timber: Timber is one of the more sustainable choices in terms of embodied energy, especially when sourced responsibly. Harvesting and processing timber uses significantly less energy compared to concrete or steel, and as a natural material, it also stores carbon.

  • Glass: The production of glass, particularly large panes used in windows, is energy-intensive. However, energy-efficient glazing can offset the high embodied energy by improving a building's operational energy efficiency over time.

Strategies for Reducing Embodied Energy in Construction

To reduce the embodied energy in your home or renovation project, consider these strategies:

  1. Choose Low-Impact Materials: Opt for materials with lower embodied energy, such as sustainably harvested timber, recycled steel, or low-carbon concrete alternatives. You can also source materials locally to reduce transportation energy.

  2. Design for Durability: A well-designed building that requires minimal maintenance and replacement over time will reduce the need for new materials, limiting the overall embodied energy.

  3. Reuse and Recycle: Incorporating reclaimed materials, such as recycled wood or repurposed bricks, is an effective way to lower embodied energy while adding character to a project.

  4. Prefabrication and Modular Design: Prefabricated elements reduce waste and improve efficiency, leading to lower embodied energy. Off-site manufacturing processes ensure precision and minimize excess material use.

Case Study: The Bullitt Center, Seattle

The Bullitt Center in Seattle is often regarded as the "greenest commercial building in the world." This six-story building is designed to last 250 years and was built to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge, a certification that prioritizes sustainability in construction.

One of the key ways the Bullitt Center reduced embodied energy was through its use of sustainably sourced timber for the building's structure. Wood has significantly lower embodied energy than steel or concrete, and it also acts as a carbon sink, storing CO₂. By choosing timber over more conventional materials, the project reduced its embodied energy by 50%, while also sequestering over 1,000 metric tons of CO₂.

Additionally, the project sourced about 20% of its materials locally, which reduced transportation energy by 10%. Recycled materials, such as recycled steel, were also incorporated, further cutting the building’s embodied energy. Prefabrication was used for certain building components, minimizing material waste by around 30% and reducing overall energy use during construction.

By combining these strategies, the Bullitt Center reduced its overall carbon emissions by 60% compared to a conventional commercial building, demonstrating how thoughtful material choices can drastically lower embodied energy.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Innovations in Materials

As the construction industry moves toward sustainability, new materials and techniques are being developed to reduce embodied energy:

  • Low-carbon concrete: Innovations in using industrial byproducts, such as fly ash or slag, to replace a portion of traditional cement are helping to reduce the embodied energy of concrete.

  • Cross-laminated timber (CLT): CLT is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete. It is strong, renewable, and has significantly lower embodied energy.

  • Recycled materials: The increasing availability of recycled products, including glass, metal, and plastic, is allowing for more energy-efficient and eco-friendly construction projects.


Further Reading

  • "The Embodied Energy of Buildings" by the University of Bath’s Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE)

  • "Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery" by Charles J. Kibert

  • "Low Energy Buildings and District-Energy Systems: Principles and Practice" by Paolo Bertoldi


Conclusion

Understanding embodied energy is essential for anyone looking to build or renovate sustainably. While operational energy is often the focus of energy efficiency discussions, the embodied energy locked into a building’s materials has a significant environmental impact that can’t be ignored. By selecting low-impact materials, designing for longevity, and incorporating recycled resources, homeowners and developers can create buildings that are both sustainable and energy-efficient from the ground up.

Building the Future by Jonnel Mamauag

Exploring Sustainable Design in Architecture and Construction and A Path to Energy-Efficient Homes

In a world where environmental concerns are increasingly central to our lives, the realms of architecture and construction are undergoing a remarkable transformation. Today, we find ourselves at the intersection of innovation and environmental stewardship, striving to create built environments that not only meet our contemporary needs but also preserve the planet. If you’re new to the concept of sustainable design in architecture and construction or if you’re considering building or renovating your home, this introductory overview is your first step toward understanding the potential of sustainable architecture.

Disclaimer: The topic of sustainability is a broad one. Therefore this article will begin with a particular focus on reducing energy consumption. In particular in terms of heating and cooling for buildings.

In a world where environmental concerns are increasingly central to our lives, the realms of architecture and construction are undergoing a remarkable transformation

The Essence of Sustainable Design

Sustainable design in architecture and construction centres on creating structures that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and energy-efficient throughout their entire lifespan. The primary objective is to diminish the negative impact of construction and building operations on the environment. But how does this translate into concrete benefits for individual homeowners looking to renovate or to build new?

Energy Efficiency: A Key Challenge and Solution

One of the central pillars of sustainable design is the quest for improved energy efficiency, particularly concerning heating and cooling. Why is this so significant, and how can it enhance your quality of life while benefitting the environment?

Lower Utility Costs. When a building is designed with energy efficiency in mind, it consumes less energy for heating and cooling. This translates into significantly reduced utility bills for homeowners. Imagine lower heating expenses during frigid winter months and reduced cooling costs amid scorching summers. Sustainable design can make this a reality for you.

Environmental Responsibility. By curbing energy consumption, sustainable buildings play a vital role in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This means that as a homeowner, you’re directly contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Your home becomes more than just a structure; it becomes a statement of your commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

Sustainable design in architecture and construction centres on creating structures that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and energy-efficient throughout their entire lifespan.

Strategies for Achieving Energy Efficiency

Now that we’ve illuminated the advantages of energy-efficient buildings, let’s delve into how architects and builders achieve this goal.

Passive Design. At the heart of energy-efficient architecture lies passive design. It involves harnessing natural elements such as sunlight, wind, and shade to regulate a building’s temperature. This means your home can remain comfortable without the need for excessive heating or cooling systems.

Insulation. Effective insulation is a cornerstone of reduced energy consumption. Sustainable homes are equipped with high-quality insulation materials that maintain stable indoor temperatures, regardless of external weather conditions. This diminishes the need for continuous heating or cooling, resulting in lower energy bills.

Energy-Efficient Appliances. Sustainable homes come furnished with energy-efficient appliances, spanning lighting to HVAC systems. These appliances not only consume less energy but also offer superior performance, ensuring your comfort while minimizing environmental impact.

Personalizing Your Sustainable Home

As a potential client, you might be curious about how to embark on the journey toward a sustainable home. Here are some steps to consider:

Seek Out Sustainable Experts. Begin by identifying architects and builders with a strong track record in sustainable design. Their expertise will be invaluable in bringing your vision of a sustainable home to life.

Define Your Sustainability Goals. What are your primary objectives for your sustainable home? Is it energy efficiency, water conservation, or the use of eco-friendly materials? Clearly articulating your goals will enable your architect and builder to tailor their designs to meet your specific needs.

Embrace Innovation. Remain open to innovative technologies and materials that can enhance the sustainability of your home. Consider solutions like solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and smart home systems to further reduce energy consumption.

Sustainable Sources of Energy. The choice of energy providers that source their supply from sustainable sources, such as wind farms and hydroelectric, is a great step towards a sustainable household. The more consumers decide to move away from fossil fuel sources of energy, the sooner the grid and sustainability become a norm rather than a nice to have.

Think Long-Term. Remember that sustainable design is an investment in the future. While initial costs may be slightly higher, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings and environmental impact make it a wise choice.

By prioritizing energy efficiency, we can create homes that are not only comfortable and cost-effective but also environmentally conscientious


Conclusion

Sustainable design in architecture and construction is not just a passing trend; it’s a pathway to a brighter and more responsible future. By prioritizing energy efficiency, we can create homes that are not only comfortable and cost-effective but also environmentally conscientious. As a potential client, you possess the power to shape this future, one sustainable home at a time.

In upcoming blog posts, we’ll explore specific strategies and share case studies to help you delve deeper into the world of sustainable design. Stay tuned for further insights on how you can positively impact your living space and contribute to a more sustainable planet.


This article was originally published on Medium.com on 17 September 2023.