What is the embodied energy of aluminum compared to copper?

The embodied energy of aluminum is indeed higher than that of copper. Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required to extract, process, and produce a material. When comparing aluminum and copper, aluminum typically has a higher embodied energy per kilogram because the extraction of aluminum from bauxite ore is an energy-intensive process, often requiring substantial electricity for the electrolysis needed to refine it.

Copper, while it also has a significant energy requirement for mining and processing, generally has a lower embodied energy when the two metals are compared directly. This is primarily due to the differences in their extraction and refining processes, where aluminum production demands more energy input relative to its weight.

Understanding embodied energy is crucial in sustainable design and material selection, as it impacts the overall environmental footprint of construction projects. This knowledge is essential for architects when considering materials for their designs, as choosing materials with lower embodied energy can help reduce the overall carbon footprint of a building.