More and more attention is being paid to the design, construction and operation of buildings due to their contribution to the total emissions of CO2 . Energy use in buildings accounts for almost 50% of these CO2 emissions with the embodied energy of buildings contributing a further 8% per annum to total CO2 emissions. Some of the methods and conventions for calculating embodied energy are reviewed and a method proposed as suitable for the construction industry. The embodied energy of the most energy intensive materials in a building are examined and indicative values given. A database of embodied energy values for building materials is being included in a computer program that will allow the engineer to analyse intelligently the embodied energy for different building design options. A further program is being developed which will provide a method for assessing environmental issues in building construction. A case study for a low energy building is presented and compared against a conventionally designed building to show the reduction in CO2 emissions that can be achieved.

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