Question

As per the National Building Code of India, 2016, choose the correct option where materials are arranged in the increasing order of their embodied energy.

• A. Medium Density Fibreboard \(<\) Aluminium \(<\) Float Glass \(<\) Fly-ash Bricks
• B. Fly-ash Bricks \(<\) Medium Density Fibreboard \(<\) Float Glass \(<\) Aluminium
• C. Medium Density Fibreboard \(<\) Fly-ash Bricks \(<\) Float Glass \(<\) Aluminium
• D. Fly-ash Bricks \(<\) Aluminium \(<\) Medium Density Fibreboard \(<\) Float Glass

Hint:

When selecting materials for sustainable construction, consider their embodied energy to minimize environmental impact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Embodied energy is the total energy consumed in a material's lifecycle, from extraction to processing and transport.

Step 1: Fly-ash Bricks exhibit the lowest embodied energy. They are derived from industrial waste, contributing to their energy efficiency.

Step 2: Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), produced from wood fibers, demands more processing energy than fly-ash bricks.

Step 3: Float Glass manufacturing is energy-intensive due to its high-temperature production process.

Step 4: Aluminium has the highest embodied energy. Extracting and processing bauxite to aluminum requires substantial energy input.

The materials ordered by increasing embodied energy are: Fly-ash Bricks < Medium Density Fibreboard < Float Glass < Aluminium.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Fly-ash Bricks < Medium Density Fibreboard < Float Glass < Aluminium.