Definitions of Common Terms
Back to Choosing and Using Materials
Embodied Energy - (wikipedia):
Embodied energy (or emergy[1]) is defined as the available energy that was used in the work of making a product. Embodied energy is an accounting methodology which aims to find the sum total of the energy necessary for an entire product lifecycle. This lifecycle includes raw material extraction, transport,[2] manufacture, assembly, installation, disassembly, deconstruction and/or decomposition.
Life Cycle Assessment (wikipedia): A 'Life Cycle Assessment'('LCA', also known as 'life cycle analysis', 'ecobalance', and 'cradle-to-grave analysis') is the investigation and evaluation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence.“The materials used to produce a building product – and where those materials came from – is a key determinant of green.” It is important to keep in mind as we proceed in this discussion, that overall design and implementation will determine just how green a product can be.
This wiki was created and is maintained by the Sustainability Committee (formerly the Committee on Sustainability in Conservation Practice). It is intended to provide information for AIC members and other interested parties. Any treatment should be carried out by a qualified conservator(find a conservator [1]). Please send comments and suggestions for sustainable practices to sustainability(a)conservation-us.org.
