Fulton, L.; Beauvais, B.; Brooks, M.; Kruse, C.S.; Lee, K. A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses. Sustainability2020, 12, 2873.
Fulton, L.; Beauvais, B.; Brooks, M.; Kruse, C.S.; Lee, K. A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2873.
Fulton, L.; Beauvais, B.; Brooks, M.; Kruse, C.S.; Lee, K. A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses. Sustainability2020, 12, 2873.
Fulton, L.; Beauvais, B.; Brooks, M.; Kruse, C.S.; Lee, K. A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2873.
Abstract
This publicly available simulation analysis compares baseline construction options versus sustainable options and evaluates both break-even costs as well as environmental effects. The simulation (https://rminator.shinyapps.io/sustain4/) provides users with comparative estimates based upon existing research on costs. This is the first simulation of its type that quantifies multiple sustainable construction options, associated break-even points, and environmental considerations for public use. Results estimate that a 100% solar solution for the baseline 3,000 square foot / 279 square meter house with 2 occupants results in a break-even of 9 years. The simulation includes options for rainwater harvesting or wells, Icynene foam, engineered lumber, Energy Star windows and doors, low flow water fixtures, aerobic / non-aerobic waste treatment or municipal services, and many other options. This is the first simulation of its type to provide publicly available sustainable construction analysis based on research, and it illustrates that sustainable construction might be both green for the environment and green for the pocketbook.
Keywords
construction; rainwater harvesting; simulation; solar
Subject
Engineering, Architecture, Building and Construction
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
