Embedded Energy of Common Materials and the Effect of Product Design and Consumer Choice on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Presenter Information

Roger Beardsley

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

Ellensburg

Event Website

http://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/

Start Date

17-5-2017

End Date

17-5-2017

Abstract

Embedded energy is the energy consumed in the production process for an object. Some products consume more energy than others as they are made, and have a higher embedded energy value. The embedded energy is a factor in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), which can be used to rank the sustainability and environmental impact of objects made and consumed. The GREET Model for LCA from Argonne National Lab publishes and updates estimated values for the energy content of various materials. This presentation looks at the evolution of design of selected products and their packaging from the point of view of their embedded energy content based on the GREET model data. In reviewing that information, insight will be gained into choices that producers and consumers make that can reduce the Greenhouse Gas footprint, which is the primary factor driving climate change.

Department/Program

Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction

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May 17th, 2:10 PM May 17th, 3:30 PM

Embedded Energy of Common Materials and the Effect of Product Design and Consumer Choice on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ellensburg

Embedded energy is the energy consumed in the production process for an object. Some products consume more energy than others as they are made, and have a higher embedded energy value. The embedded energy is a factor in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), which can be used to rank the sustainability and environmental impact of objects made and consumed. The GREET Model for LCA from Argonne National Lab publishes and updates estimated values for the energy content of various materials. This presentation looks at the evolution of design of selected products and their packaging from the point of view of their embedded energy content based on the GREET model data. In reviewing that information, insight will be gained into choices that producers and consumers make that can reduce the Greenhouse Gas footprint, which is the primary factor driving climate change.

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2017/Faculty/6