Material Consumption

Construction Materials

High-density homes, particularly apartments, save on construction resources relative to other forms of construction.

"Embodied" energy or emissions are the energy or emissions that were required to make the building material. Energy and emissions are estimated on an annual basis, assuming a 50 year life to the building. High density refers to a 15 story apartment building near downtown Toronto, and low density refers to an average detached house in a Toronto suburb. Source: ¹.

Consumer Materials

Just as denser housing construction saves embodied energy in the construction phase, it also saves energy throughout the building's life in the form of consumer goods.

Urban homes are 90 m² apartments near downtown Brussels, and suburban homes are 130 m² detached single family homes in the suburbs of Brussels. Source: ². 'Normal' homes refer to "a standard new construction built according to the minimal energy efficiency requirements based on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive" of the EU. A 'Low Energy' house is one with "reinforced insulation and low space heating energy demand but with standard heat delivery systems". A passive home is "an extremely insulated and airtight passive house equipped with mechanical ventilation and a heat recovery system".