Transport Energy Embodied in Consumer Goods: A Hybrid Life-Cycle Analysis

Abstract

This paper describes an analysis of the transport-related energy embodied in goods consumed by households. Our approach combines bottom-up with top-down modelling in a hybrid life-cycle analysis. The bottom-up part is a process analysis of international transport, examining foreign trade statistics, transportation modes, transport distances, and energy efficiencies. The top-down part is an input-output analysis identifying transport energy use in upstream production layers. To demonstrate the application of the model we carry out a three-step empirical analysis of goods consumed in Denmark in 1995, starting with highly aggregated commodity groups, and ending with “bread”.