In Use and End of Life

Zusammenfassung

The construction costs of a conventional new build represent only approximately 20 per cent of the total life cycle costs. The remaining 80 per cent is taken up by operation and maintenance expenses. The average life cycle of a building is 30 years, but it depends on the type of project and can vary considerably. When designing a building, the aim should therefore be to choose durable, low-maintenance materials and to ensure that these, along with the building services systems, are well looked after through regular servicing, repair and renewal of components. As the diagram below shows, the anticipated life span of a building can only be reached, or possibly exceeded, if the building components are well maintained