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:
“All the followers of science are fully persuaded that the processes of investigation, if only pushed far enough, will give one certain solution to each question to which they can be applied.... This great law is embodied in the conception of truth and reality. The opinion which is fated to be ultimately agreed to by all who investigate is what we mean by the truth, and the object represented in this opinion is the real.”
—Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914)
“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.”
—Emile Durkheim (1858–1917)
“The common notions that we find in credit around us and infused into our souls by our fathers’ seed, these seem to be the universal and natural ones. Whence it comes to pass that what is off the hinges of custom, people believe to be off the hinges of reason.”
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)
“Herein is the explanation of the analogies, which exist in all the arts. They are the re-appearance of one mind, working in many materials to many temporary ends. Raphael paints wisdom, Handel sings it, Phidias carves it, Shakspeare writes it, Wren builds it, Columbus sails it, Luther preaches it, Washington arms it, Watt mechanizes it. Painting was called “silent poetry,” and poetry “speaking painting.” The laws of each art are convertible into the laws of every other.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)