What is meant by "embodied effects" in the context of Life-Cycle Assessment?

The term "embodied effects" in the context of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) specifically refers to the environmental impacts associated with the manufacturing of a product, which includes the extraction of raw materials, the energy consumed during production, and the transportation involved in bringing the materials to the construction site. However, the most relevant understanding of embodied effects in this situation, as it pertains to the assessment of a building or product over its entire lifecycle, is indeed tied to the impacts that arise from the use and eventual disposal of the product.

These embodied effects are important as they extend beyond just the initial acquisition of materials and production stages. They encompass how buildings perform over their lifespan, including energy consumption during use, potential emissions, and ultimately how materials are dealt with at the end of their usefulness. Such impacts can be significant, representing a large portion of the total environmental footprint of a building.

This understanding lays the groundwork for making more informed decisions regarding sustainable design and construction practices, emphasizing the importance of considering not only initial costs but also long-term environmental effects and sustainability.