embodied energy

Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required to produce a product, from extracting raw materials to manufacturing, transportation, and installation. It captures the energy invested in creating something and is an important factor in assessing the environmental impact of buildings, products, or materials. Understanding embodied energy helps us compare options for sustainability, as materials with lower embodied energy generally contribute less to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle. It emphasizes the importance of considering not just a product's use but also its entire creation process when evaluating environmental impact.