Embodied Energy in Common Materials
Selected data from the Inventory of Carbon and Energy ('ICE') prepared by the University of Bath (UK), and available at http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/files/inventoryofcarbonandenergy.pdf
Material | Energy MJ per kg | Carbon kg CO2 per kg | Density kg /m3 |
---|---|---|---|
Aggregate | 0.083 | 0.0048 | 2240 |
Concrete (1:1.5:3) | 1.11 | 0.159 | 2400 |
Bricks (common) | 3 | 0.24 | 1700 |
Concrete block (Medium density) | 0.67 | 0.073 | 1450 |
Aerated block | 3.5 | 0.3 | 750 |
Limestone block | 0.85 | 2180 | |
Marble | 2 | 0.116 | 2500 |
Cement mortar (1:3) | 1.33 | 0.208 | |
Steel (general, av. recycled content) | 20.1 | 1.37 | 7800 |
Stainless steel | 56.7 | 6.15 | 7850 |
Timber (general, excludes sequestration) | 10 | 0.72 | 480 - 720 |
Glue laminated timber | 12 | 0.87 | |
Cellulose insulation (loose fill) | 0.94 – 3.3 | 43 | |
Cork insulation | 26.00* | 160 | |
Glass fibre insulation (glass wool) | 28 | 1.35 | 12 |
Flax insulation | 39.5 | 1.7 | 30 |
Rockwool (slab) | 16.8 | 1.05 | 24 |
Expanded Polystyrene insulation | 88.6 | 2.55 | 15 – 30 |
Polyurethane insulation (rigid foam) | 101.5 | 3.48 | 30 |
Wool (recycled) insulation | 20.9 | 25 | |
Straw bale | 0.91 | 100 – 110 | |
Mineral fibre roofing tile | 37 | 2.7 | 1850 |
Slate | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.006 – 0.058 | 1600 |
Clay tile | 6.5 | 0.45 | 1900 |
Aluminium (general & incl 33% recycled) | 155 | 8.24 | 2700 |
Bitumen (general) | 51 | 0.38 - 0.43 | |
Medium-density fibreboard | 11 | 0.72 | 680 – 760 |
Plywood | 15 | 1.07 | 540 - 700 |
Plasterboard | 6.75 | 0.38 | 800 |
Gypsum plaster | 1.8 | 0.12 | 1120 |
Glass | 15 | 0.85 | 2500 |
PVC (general) | 77.2 | 2.41 | 1380 |
Vinyl flooring | 65.64 | 2.92 | 1200 |
Terrazzo tiles | 1.4 | 0.12 | 1750 |
Ceramic tiles | 12 | 0.74 | 2000 |
Wool carpet | 106 | 5.53 | |
Wallpaper | 36.4 | 1.93 | |
Vitrified clay pipe (DN 500) | 7.9 | 0.52 | |
Iron (general) | 25 | 1.91 | 7870 |
Copper (average incl. 37% recycled) | 42 | 2.6 | 8600 |
Lead (incl 61% recycled) | 25.21 | 1.57 | 11340 |
Ceramic sanitary ware | 29 | 1.51 | |
Paint - Water-borne | 59 | 2.12 | |
Paint - Solvent-borne | 97 | 3.13 |
Photovoltaic (PV) Cells Type | Energy MJ per m2 | Carbon kg CO2 per m2 |
Monocrystalline (average) | 4750 | 242 |
Polycrystalline (average) | 4070 | 208 |
Thin film (average) | 1305 | 67 |
Read more about this topic: Embodied Energy
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