Prediction and optimization of life-cycle costs in early design

Operation costs over the life-cycle of a building are a multiple of the initial construction costs. Decisions in the programming stage (briefing) and design process influence life-cycle costs in terms of space, the quantity of structural elements, technical/mechanical service equipment and the choice of materials. The way that the economic and ecological goals are set will influence the efficiency and effectiveness through an appropriate design. To realize the requirements of sustainable building in daily administrative practice, characteristic values for specific building tasks are needed which are determined through the analysis of completed buildings. The resulting target values enable architects and engineers to get a clear and consistent definition of project goals at the programming stage. An interdisciplinary team is needed to manage and guarantee these target values during the whole design process and at the beginning of the utilization phase.