The evolution of embodied energy in andean residential buildings. Methodology applied to Cuenca-Ecuador

Globally, the building industry has grown in last decades. Furthermore, new technological advances construction materials with high embodied energy have been widely introduced Latin American countries' architecture. Over decades, Ecuadorian Andean region experienced these changes. To analyze environmental impact of transformations, this research quantifies Specific Total Embodied Energy (STEE) 40 houses built between 1980 and 2020. Additionally, addresses Weight (STW) study cases. The calculations two parameters consider three components: Structure, Envelope, Finishes; however, disregard technical installations. This methodology was applied Cuenca-Ecuador, where results show that STEE entire an increase 2.19 times four component highest STW is whereas least representative Finishes, but it tendency. Despite Envelope having had significant growth over its shown a decreasing tendency can thermal repercussions interior conditions. Finally, be used as architectural guidelines to reduce buildings from design phase.