Embodied energy refers to energy consumed throughout what phase of a product?

Embodied energy is a critical concept in understanding the overall environmental impact of a product. It refers to the total amount of energy that is consumed throughout all phases of a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, usage, and finally disposal or recycling. This comprehensive approach highlights not just the operational energy used while the product is in use, but also the energy expenditure involved in producing and delivering the product to consumers and managing its end-of-life.

Recognizing that embodied energy encompasses all these phases is essential for developing more sustainable products and making informed decisions about energy efficiency and environmental impact. Understanding this concept allows for better assessments of a product’s total energy use and environmental footprint, enabling consumers and manufacturers to work towards solutions that conserve energy and resources over the product's entire lifespan.