4. A few examples to illustrate

Grey energy is present in every product we consume. Of all the energy consumed by an object, consumption during use is often only the tip of the iceberg. Let's take a look at a few examples.

Consumers want vegetables outside the normal production season. To meet this demand, more and more vegetables are being grown in greenhouses. However, the energy required to grow them is around three times greater than for normal outdoor production. This energy consumption is billed indirectly via the selling price of these vegetables, which is higher than when they are in season.

Many of the objects used in the Western world, and particularly in France, have been produced abroad, particularly in the Far East. This part of grey energy is not accounted for in the country's energy balance. One might conclude that we are consuming less energy than in the...