A novel general framework for the study of $Gamma$-convergence of functionals defined over pairs of measures and energy-measures is introduced. This theory allows us to identify the $Gamma$-limit of these kind of functionals by knowing the $Gamma$-limit of the underlining energies. In particular, the interaction between the functionals and the underlining energies results, in the case these latter converge to a non continuous energy, in an additional effect in the relaxation process. This study was motivated by a question in the context of epitaxial growth evolution with adatoms. Interesting cases of application of the general theory are also presented.