A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses

Abstract

A major consideration for consumers and the residential construction industry is the cost–benefit and break-even of various sustainable construction options. This research provides a publicly available simulation that allows users to compare baseline construction options versus sustainable options and evaluates both break-even costs as well as environmental effects. This R Shiny Monte Carlo simulation uses common pseudo-random number streams for replicability and includes options for solar, rainwater harvesting, wells, Icynene foam, engineered lumber, Energy Star windows and doors, low flow fixtures, aerobic/non-aerobic/city waste treatment, electric versus gasoline vehicles, and many other options. This is the first simulation to quantify multiple sustainable construction options, associated break-even points, and environmental considerations for public use. Using user default parameters, coupled with a 100% solar solution for a baseline 3000 square foot/279 square meter house with 2 occupants results in a break-even of 9 years. Results show that many of the sustainable options are both green for the environment and green for the pocketbook.

A Publicly Available Simulation of Battery Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Gas-Powered Vehicles

“…Total cost of solar acquisition to charge a BEV or PHEV is then calculated by Equation (1) (author-proposed). In this equation, solar acquisition cost is estimated based on and indicator variable for a BEV or PHEV (EV) times an indicator variable for solar charging (Solar) times a state-based geographic system-sizing multiplier [44] times the miles driven (Miles) times the BEV kWh per mile (kWh/Mile) (from the user interface, defaulted to 0.34 based on a Nissan Leaf [28]) times the dollars per kWh ($/kWh) times the percentage of power provided by the battery (% Battery, which is 100% for BEV but less than 100% for PHEVs). Tax credits, if any, are assigned 12 months after vehicle acquisition:…”

Sustainable Residential Building Considerations for Rural Areas: A Case Study

“…The use of solar water heaters or tankless electric water heaters powered by a PVS are two of many options that may reduce both cost and kWh demand [33]. Further, electric cars charged by PVS that are sized properly for residential and transportation demands may reduce environmental impacts, as will the proper choice of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) [9,34].…”

“…Net-Zero construction may even power user transportation, further reducing the impact of the built environment [37,38]. Net-Zero homes coupled with proper water management and residential construction techniques may mitigate many of the environmental effects associated with residential construction [9].…”

“…Sustainable rural land use requires environmentally sound residential construction [1]. Residential (and commercial) construction options affect the water supply [2], water demand [3,4], electricity demand [5][6][7][8], the use of land lumber and other materials [9,10], as well as the entire ecosystem [11]. Improper use of land can accelerate global warming [12,13], have impacts on human health (particularly in regards to disease) [14], lead to eutrophication/acidification of water [15,16], and cause smog formation in urban areas [17,18].…”

Εκπαίδευση Εκπαιδευτικών Σε Θέματα Αειφόρου Ανάπτυξης Στο Σύγχρονο Κοινωνικοπολιτισμικό Πλαίσιο

“…Τα δομικά υλικά χρησιμοποιούν πολύτιμους πόρους για να κατασκευαστούν, είτε πρόκειται για την κατασκευή σκυροδέματος, μετάλλων, γυαλιού κλπ. Η στέγαση συμβάλλει στις εκπομπές αερίων του θερμοκηπίου μέσω της ενέργειας που καταναλώνεται για την κατασκευή και τη συνεχή χρήση τους (Fulton, 2020;Regeneris Consulting, 2010). Ο MacLennan ( 2008) επισημαίνει ότι η έρευνα για τα σπίτια και το περιβάλλον περιλαμβάνει γενικά τρεις τύπους μελετών: Σχέσεις μεταξύ σπιτιών και ενέργειας ή εκπομπών αερίων του θερμοκηπίου.…”