Embodied Energy of Windows in Buildings: Impact of Architectural and Technical Choices - Part 1

Abstract: Embodied energy, observed today by pioneers in the field, will soon become part of the basic energy requirements of all projects. In this publication, the relationship that exists between embodied energy of building components and the global energy efficiency of building has been quantified. First, the embodied energy of multiple windows based on their typology has been compared. The aim was to evaluate the embodied energy and additional costs required for a triple glazing window, with the gain in energy consumption that its integration generates for a building. The study was performed on an existing case. Energy consumptions were obtained by in situ measurements and reinforced by building modeling using dynamic thermal simulation software. These allowed us to estimate the return on investment in terms of the embodied energy of building elements. It is a reasoning process expressing overall energy costs that will be presented in part 2 of this publication.