Cost Implication of Implementing External Facade Systems for Commercial Buildings

Vivian W. Y. Tam, Khoa N. Le and J. Y. Wang
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Vivian W. Y. Tam: Engineering and Mathematics, School of Computing, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia
Khoa N. Le: Engineering and Mathematics, School of Computing, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia
J. Y. Wang: College of Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-22

Abstract: The significance of cost effectiveness in sustainable design has heightened over the past ten years due to the need for reducing building operational expenses and improving environmental quality. This paper determines life-cycle cost over a 20-year period for eleven external facade systems from seven Australian capital cities. Factors affecting life-cycle expenditure in implementing external facade systems of commercial buildings are considered, including construction cost, space heating and cooling cost, maintenance cost and rental loss due to the thickness of external facade systems. The most cost-effective external facade system is identified for each city. Double-glazing facade is found to be the most cost-effective system in Sydney; however, masonry-veneer facade performs the best overall. This paper can provide insight for commercial design teams in designing buildings with cost-effectiveness and sustainable throughout its life-cycle and highlight the importance of a holistic cost review at design stage in ensuring client satisfaction.

Keywords: insulating; external facade system; life-cycle cost; commercial building; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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