Energy used in the Construction and Operation of Houses

Efforts to minimise energy consumption in houses have now broadened to the consideration of major life cycle energy inputs. This is part of a more holistic approach to energy analysis which takes into account the wider environmental impact of buildings. Research work is reported which looks at the relative proportions of operational and embodied energy of houses and compares this with previously published work. It is shown that embodied energy is a significant part of the life cycle energy consumption of houses and this justifies further consideration by designers. The amount of energy used during onsite construction is also addressed as part of life cycle energy consumption.