Kokonaisenergiapitoisuus

Kokonaisenergiapitoisuus refers to the total energy embodiment of a system, product or service. It encompasses not only the direct or obvious energy inputs but also the indirect, hidden, and often overlooked energy requirements. This concept gained prominence in the 1970s with the work of H T Odum, an American ecologist, and physicist.

Kokonaisenergiapitoisuus is often used to estimate the total energy costs associated with producing, processing, and utilizing a particular product. In essence, it represents an energy-based measure of efficiency, taking into account both the direct energy needs, such as electricity, water, and chemicals, and the indirect energy requirements, such as labor, equipment maintenance, and infrastructure.

This concept can be applied to various sectors, including industrial, agricultural, and service-based industries. It has been widely used in environmental impact assessments, particularly in life cycle assessments, to evaluate the cumulative energy requirements of processes and products.

The Kokonaisenergiapitoisuus model breaks down the energy inputs into two distinct categories: direct and indirect energy requirements. Direct energy needs typically refer to the obvious inputs like electricity, natural gas, and fuels, whereas indirect energy requirements involve the Hidden Energy or Labor Energy of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labor involved in the process.

The application of kokonaisenergiapitoisuus in various sectors has shown that a significant portion of the energy requirements are often indirect, highlighting the importance of taking a holistic approach to energy management.