Optimizing Life Cycle Cost of Buildings through Simulation-based Optimization: A Case Study

DOI: 10.5176/2301-394X_ACE18.139

Authors: R M P S Bandara, W C D K Fernando and R A Attalage

Abstract:

Buildings account for nearly 30% of the global energy consumption. Hence, presently high emphasis is given for optimizing the performance of buildings. Life cycle cost is one of the criteria for assessing the performance of buildings. Building envelope is responsible for 25% of energy usage and accounts for 15-40% of total construction cost of the building. Hence by optimizing the building envelope, life cycle cost can be substantially reduced. This paper describes how whole building simulation-based optimization can be applied in optimizing the life cycle cost in terms of envelope elements. Building case studies considered in the study show that substantial saving on life cycle cost can be achieved through this approach with respect to building envelope elements.

Keywords: performance; life cycle cost; envelope; simulation; optimization