Embodied and operational energy use of buildings

Up to now energy savings in buildings have been approached from the side of their operational energy. However, when the operational energy use is reduced, the embodied energy use (i.e. the energy embodied in the manufacture and transport of building components) could become an important item. In this paper we present the results of an energy flow investigation, based on LCA considerations, on the relative values of embodied en operational energy of dwellings and dwelling renovation. The environmental effects resulting from energy use are addressed as well.