Role of Economic Analysis in the Development of Energy Standards for New Buildings.
Role of Economic Analysis in the Development of Energy
Standards for New Buildings.
(3261 K)
Petersen, S. R.
NBSIR 78-1471; July 1978.
Sponsor:
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington,
DC
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB-284461/1
Keywords:
energy conservation; performance standards; building
codes; buildings; life-cycle cost; benefit cost
analysis; cost effectiveness; optimization
Abstract:
This report suggests that economic considerations be
incorporated directly into the standards development
process. A life-cycle benefit-cost approach to standards
development can provide a systematic and objective
framework for standards specification. Differences in
climate, building type, energy cost, and operational
requirements can be directly incorporated into the
standard as they impact energy-related benefits and
costs. It is shown that the life-cycle costs associated
with any given overall conservation goal can be reduced
by developing an economically balanced standard. In
addition, it suggests that a standard which has as its
goal the minimization of life-cycle costs will likely
lead to greater effective energy savings than
alternative approaches. Specific suggestions for the
incorporation of economic analysis into the standards
development process are made.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899