Primary energy
Approved document L: Conservation of fuel and power, 2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments, defines primary energy as: ‘Energy, from renewable and non-renewable sources, that has not undergone any conversion or transformation process.’
BREEAM UK New Construction, Non-domestic Buildings (United Kingdom), Technical Manual, SD5078: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 3.0, published by BRE Global Limited, defines primary energy as: ‘Energy from fossil fuel and renewable sources that has not undergone any conversion or transformation process.’
It defines ‘primary energy consumption’ as: ‘…the primary energy content of delivered fuel or other energy sources. It takes account of the energy associated with fuel production, energy transformation (e.g., electricity generation) and distribution processes, including losses, in addition to the inherent energy content of the fuel or energy source.’
The Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018 defines 'primary energy' as: 'Energy from fossil fuel and renewable sources that has not undergone any conversion or transformation process. Primary energy is transformed by the means of energy generation used and its transmission to the building.'
'Climate Emergency Design Guide: How new buildings can meet UK climate change’, published by The London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) in January 2020 defines primary energy as: '...energy that has not undergone any conversion or transformation. As a common example, each kWh of grid electricity used in a UK building requires 1.5 kWh of primary energy; this accounts for the energy required for power generation (including fuel extraction and transport to thermal or nuclear power stations), transmission and distribution.'
Making Mission Possible - Delivering A Net-Zero Economy, published by the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) in September 2020, defines primary energy consumption as: ‘Crude energy directly used at the source or supplied to users without transformation – that is, energy that has not been subjected to a conversion or transformation process.’
The RIBA Passivhaus Overlay, published by the RIBA in 2022, defines Primary Energy (PE) as: ‘Energy found in natural resources which has not yet been subject to a human engineered conversion process.’
It defines Primary Energy Renewable (PER) as: ‘Energy which is generated by renewable resources while also recognising the impact of other factors such as storage losses and climate data.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.