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
Famous quotes containing the words embodied, energy, common and/or materials:
“I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
“While the State becomes inflated and hypertrophied in order to obtain a firm enough grip upon individuals, but without succeeding, the latter, without mutual relationships, tumble over one another like so many liquid molecules, encountering no central energy to retain, fix and organize them.”
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“So didst thou travel on life’s common way,
In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart
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“Our job is now clear. All Americans must be prepared to make, on a 24 hour schedule, every war weapon possible and the war factory line will use men and materials which will bring, the war effort to every man, woman, and child in America. All one hundred thirty million of us will be needed to answer the sunrise stealth of the Sabbath Day Assassins.”
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