Embodied energy

The concept of embodied energy appeared in the wake of the HQE (Haute Qualite Environnementale, or High Quality Environmental standard) during the 1970s. It corresponds to the amount of energy used for a product from its conception phase through to its recycling or destruction. Commercialisation or service activities, product use and implementation are some of the criteria considered. The resulting figure allows one to conscientiously choose materials that best respect the environment in each sector. Thus, for insulation material to be considered ecological, it must come from a renewable source, and its collection or extraction must not damage the environment. Likewise, its production must not consume a lot of energy. Finally, it must be entirely recyclable and, as far as possible, produced locally in order to limit transport needs.

Embodied energy, also known as Life Cycle Analysis (or LCA), has become an important selection criterion in construction. In 2002, AFNOR drew up a specific environmental quality standard which includes the energy content of consumer goods : particularly household appliances.