What Is an Energy Life Cycle Cost Analysis?
Life cycle cost analysis is a decision-making tool for building design. The analysis accounts for initial costs associated with constructing or renovating a facility as well as the cost of owning and operating a facility over its useful life. Energy life cycle cost analysis specifically considers these costs for energy systems (heating, cooling, lighting, building envelope, kitchen and domestic hot water). It takes into account the initial cost of each alternate energy system as well as other predictable costs over the expected system life: operation and maintenance, energy, system or component replacement, and the time value of money. The completed ELCCA report recommends alternatives that make the most economic sense while providing for the comfort, health, and productivity of the building occupants.
