Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

Conference Track:  Sustainable Engineering

Selection1:       Paper

Language:         English

Keywords:         LIFE-CYCLE COSTS,SUSTAINABILITY,CONSTRUCTION

Contact Title:     Ing.

Contact First Name: Nelson

Contact Last Name:  Koen

University:       Stanford University/Universidad Catolica Andres Bello Caracas

Web:

Position:         Profesor Agregado

Country:          USA

Email:            koen@stanford.edu

Fax:

Selection:        Only IF PAPER ACCEPTED

Submit:           Submit

Date:             Saturday, February 28, 2004

Time:             03:23:41 AM

Paper Title:

SUSTAINABILITY, NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND LIFE-CYCLE COSTS

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to establish the difficulties and limitations when considering Sustainability in  context of the Life-Cycle Cost Method, and to  give recommendations to overcome some of these problems. Possible research areas are also indicated.

The construction attributes of a project (materials, construction methods and technologies) are defined during the design and planning phases. These attributes will determine the performance of the project during its service life. The selection of the appropriate alternative among the possible choices is a difficult task for designers. The introduction of new construction technologies adds complexity to the decision process. These new technologies typically need a higher initial investment but offer a lower  maintenance costs. It is important for decision-makers to have tools that facilitate the evaluation and selection process among different alternatives during the design phases.

Construction projects usually imply  the modification of environmental characteristics to satisfy human needs. It is thus necessary that any method used to compare alternatives must not only be based on monetary measures, but also on the sustainability of the project.

The Life-Cycle Cost Method is now being widely used to compare the economic performance of projects. However designers cannot easily determine when a project is meeting sustainability goals. This is one of the main difficulties that decision-makers encounter when analyzing different alternatives with environmental impact. The appropriate decisions are often not taken due to the lack of   appropriate analysis tools. Some possible solutions will be specified and various research areas will be pointed out.

Mailing Address:

Nelson Koen

PO BOX 19495

Stanford CA 94309

USA

Phone:

305-206-6415

Other Authors:

Full Author Name / email / University /(P)

Nelson Koen / koen@stanford.edu/ Stanford University (P)