Embodied Energy Versus Operational Energy in a Nearly Zero Energy Building Case Study

Currently in the NZEB energy demand calculation method the Embodied Energy is not included, despite the state-of-the-art recognizes a relevant energy impact caused by raw materials extraction as well as components manufacturing, product final assembly and transportation. Aim of this study was to assess the Embodied Energy in a NZEB case study along with the Operational Energy, pointing out the importance of taking into account both these aspects since the earliest design stage. Within the research activity here presented, for accounting the EE, a worksheet was developed and implemented with over 65 materials taken from a database carried out by the authors, in order to encourage designers to properly manage these issues.