PENRT

Definition

• PENRT stands for Primary Energy Non-Renewable, Total.

• It quantifies the total amount of non-renewable primary energy used throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service.

• This includes both energy used directly for operations and energy embedded in materials.

Components of PENRT

• PENRT is composed of two subcategories:

  • PENRE (Energy Carrier): Non-renewable energy used directly, such as electricity from coal or fuel from oil.

  • PENRM (Material Utilization): Non-renewable energy embedded in raw materials, like petroleum used to produce plastics.

Measurement Units and Scope

• PENRT is typically measured in megajoules (MJ) or kilowatt-hours (kWh) per functional unit (e.g., per kg or m² of product).

• It covers all life cycle stages: production, transport, use, and disposal.

Use in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• PENRT is a key indicator in environmental product declarations (EPDs) and LCA reports.

• It helps assess the resource intensity and sustainability of building materials and construction processes.

Example Application

• For a plastic chair:

  • PENRE includes energy used in refining oil and operating manufacturing machines.

  • PENRM includes the energy content of the oil used as a raw material for plastic.

• Disposal and recycling also contribute to PENRT through energy used in processing.