Conserve Embodied Energy in Existing Building Stock (RCI Action 1.8)

Develop state-wide policies and programs that recognize, quantify, and encourage the conservation of the energy embodied in the New Hampshire's older building stock. "Embodied energy is the total expenditure of energy involved in the creation of the building and its constituent materials," and the energy invested in it throughout its use. Embodied energy is a key component of life-cycle analysis, which examines the environmental impact of building materials and systems from raw materials, through use within a building, to demolition and disposal. A typical house in New Hampshire contains about 1.5 billion Btus of embodied energy, enough to power the family vehicle for about 25 years. When older buildings are preserved or reused their embodied energy is conserved, new material needs are minimized, and massive carbon emissions from new construction are avoided (in addition to the unspecified historical value that is retained). The concept of embodied energy is not widely recognized, even among professionals in the building and construction industries. If the potential energy savings and reductions in carbon emissions are to be realized, the proposed action will require education, research, and incentive programs.