Matipa, W M; Bain, I A and Naik, B (2010) Cost optimization techniques for sustainable buildings: Analysis beyond energy performance certificates. In: Egbu, C (ed.) Proceedings of 26th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-8 September 2010, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
The need for the UK to satisfy its legally binding commitment with the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5 per cent from 1990 levels by 2012 is approaching. The Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD) of the European Commission of 2002 has a primary aim of establishing and applying energy certification programmes in order to guarantee reduction in energy consumption. A number of tools have been recently introduced or revised to satisfy the EPBD requirements including the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in 2008. As a tool EPCs have been one of the tools being promoted through the construction industry and are available to clients, professionals as well as the public. Their main aim has been to facilitate informative decision making and the application of best practice of creating a more sustainable future. Even though there are a variety of tools that can be used to attest sustainability credentials, it has been noticed from a preliminary survey that an overarching tool would be required to streamline the anticipated whole life cycle cost appraisal and analysis, as opposed to over-concentrating on the selected methods of assessing probable energy performance of facilities. This research therefore investigates the whole life cycle approach to cost optimization that would consider energy certificates as a part of a more robust appraisal and analysis of development proposals. It concludes that while EPCs are essential, there is a risk of poor appraisal of key factors that could impinge on the overall delivery of facilities that meet the EU directive on Energy performance in buildings.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | energy performance certificates; sustainability; cost management; green building |
| Index terms: | sustainable building, best practice, decision-making, greenhouse gas emission, energy consumption, energy performance certificate, green building, construction industry, energy performance, appraisal, proposal, cost optimization, certification, whole life cycle, guarantee, commitment, survey, cost management, programme |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, business, psychology, energy systems, project planning, design practice, sustainability assessment, contract structure, factor and component analysis, economics, accounting and finance, sustainable construction, project controls, decision analysis, administrative processes, industry analysis, environmental health |
| Topics: | Procurement, Sustainability, Risk Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Contract Administration, Time Control, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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