Life-Cycle Cost Analysis for Selection of Energy-Efficient Building Components in Lodging Facilities

This paper outlines a methodology for applying life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for selecting building components in a typical modular and repetitive lodging facility. The study explores available tools, such as energy simulation and building life-cycle costing software, and identifies a methodology for their application under uncertainty. An analysis of life-cycle costs for a window system in a typical two-story economy lodging facility is presented as an example of an application of this methodology. The effect of one design factor, site location, is investigated through a sensitivity analysis, which considers a location for each different climatic area in the United States. Moreover, a contingency analysis is also performed to assess how changes in energy prices will affect the decision process. The charts resulting from the uncertainty analyses provide an interesting insight for decision-makers.