BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools, Methods, and Workflows

7.1. Costs of Maintaining a Facility

A building's operating cost over its life cycle is on average approximately 80 percent of the total initial cost to build and far outweighs the initial 20 percent investment to construct it (Figure 7.1). Yet, a building's operating costs and management are regarded as necessary, not areas that could provide potential savings. Additionally, the high environmental costs associated with reducing pollution emissions and vacancy costs associated with poor overall occupant health are additional costs that face today's facility owner. In fact, more than 80 percent of facility owners in a recent study found that owners are budgeting for green initiatives and energy savings in their facilities (source: www.facilitiesnet.com/news/article.asp?id=10192 ...