Chapter Data-Driven Construction and Operating Cost Decision Support Through Techno-Economic Analysis: Residential Case Study

Abstract

Construction and operating costs of residential buildings are important. Because, it can help designers, builders, owners, and renters make informed decisions about where and what to buy or rent. One of the most significant operating costs of residences is energy cost. More specifically, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning account for as much as 35% of the overall energy consumption of buildings in the world. Thus, the problem that this research paper addresses is the decision trade-off of construction costs vs. operating costs. Therefore, this paper aims to perform a techno-economic analysis of exterior residential wall-type alternatives in a warm-humid climate. The research followed a quantitative methodology using a virtual case study with multi-objective analysis. The results of this study show the significant importance of the building’s infiltration on the operational savings and the return on investment (ROI) of the different types of exterior residential walls. and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to energy conservation regulations. The novelty of this study is the emphasis on the importance of infiltration in pre-construction decision-making. The broader impact of this result is that the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and similar standards could be revised to reduce energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced during energy generation