• Use life cycle costing to compare various design alternatives.  For each major building component, determine a base case and at least one high-performance alternative for comparison.  Then use whole building energy models and the Harvard LCC Calculator to compare alternatives. 
• Consider the potential cost impact of each component not only individually, but also as part of the complete design of the building. Often a savings in one system will allow further savings in another, e.g. insulation and glazing may reduce required sizing of mechanical systems.
• Include passive systems, such as orientation, massing, landscape elements in the integrated analysis. As a minimum, the following systems should be examined:

Mechanical: Ventilation, source of energy, distribution and controls

Plumbing: Water distribution

Electrical:  Lighting sources and controls, electrical distribution

Envelope: Glazing, insulation, roofing

• Determine the annual energy savings and payback period for each alternative.
• Consider GCLF for alternatives with less than 10 year payback period.  Select those which make the most sense with the project goals, campus sustainability principles, and energy cost savings.
• Client: As part of SD set, require a LCC report, with detailed analysis of each base case and alternative, using Harvard rates. (See LCC Methodology section)
• Cost Consultant, Contractor: Compile costs – capital (soft and hard costs), utilities (use DOE-2 energy modeling), maintenance
• Hold meetings to discuss LCC and energy model results. Make decisions based on life cycle costing.

• Review drawing set to ensure systems reflect LCC decisions.  If new decisions are made, undergo new LCC analysis.
• Use life cycle costing for materials selection.
• If a Cost Estimator is part of the team from the beginning, value engineering at this stage should be minimal. Ensure that any cost cutting in the capital budget does not burden Harvard with increased operating costs and a higher total life cycle cost.

Integrating LCC into the Design Process
Life cycle costing should be done as early in the process as possible when a relatively small effort can result in big changes, as opposed to later in the process when a greater effort yields smaller results.