Development of web-based life cycle cost analysis for green building index energy efficiency evaluation

Abstract

In order to maximize the potentials of green buildings which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use of energy, water, and materials while reducing building impact on human health and environment during the building’s life cycle, green building rating tools need to be maximized with the inclusion of Life-Cycle Costing (LCC). However, Green Building Index (GBI) Malaysia is a rating tool that does not maximize the application of Life Cycle Costing Analysis (LCCA) which would have been embedded in the rating system and during the rating process when it is traditionally carried out. Therefore, the construction industry needs the integration of software as a smart solution that response within immediate time, investment within budget, organized project management, efficient construction, and profitable. The aim of the study is to develop a web-based GBI rating system for Energy Efficiency (EE) evaluation that incorporates LCC analysis. The objectives of the study were to identify the criteria of established GBI rating tools, to identify the cost element of life-cycle cost, to develop a framework for EE criteria of GBI and LCC interface and lastly, to develop the web-based interface GBI-LCC that evaluates Energy Efficiency. A questionnaire survey was conducted through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) that consists of various qualified professional of the green building assessment tool in order to identify the life cycle cost association of EE criteria. The result was analysed using SPSS to perform the Mean Index, Factor Score, and Weightage Factor. It revealed that renewable energy is the most important criteria with the Factor Score of 7 and Weightage Factor of 0.27, followed by minimum energy performance criteria, lighting zoning, electrical sub-metering and advanced EE performance. The results also showed that management cost is the most influence LCC elements for EE criteria under GBI followed by operation costs, construction and installation cost, maintenance cost, development and replacements cost and lastly is contingencies/risk cost. Through the results obtained, a framework of EE and LCC was established. Then, a web-based automation interface GBI-LCC was developed using PHP programming for Green Building Index Integrated with Life Cycle Costing, called GBI-LCC. The web-based GBI-LCC is a dynamic invention which helps to calculate the cost analysis of green technology and to achieve energy efficiency points based on EE criteria. It is a better option that would assist construction industry stakeholders in making the decision on cost-effective of investment towards offering the best value of the project.