Study of the factors influencing the life cycle cost of green buildings using SEM-SD method

Abstract

The recent surge in carbon emissions from the building sector has raised significant environmental concerns. While green building practices have proven effective, their widespread adoption has been hindered by high costs. This study aims to explore the factors impacting the life cycle costs of green buildings, with the aim of achieving “double carbon” reduction. Through an analysis of 42 articles, 24 factors were distilled based on expert opinion. After collecting 322 data through questionnaires, a model of the factors influencing the life cycle cost of green buildings was constructed using structural equation modeling, and a cost simulation study was carried out through the system dynamics method in the practical case to examine how the cost changed. The findings highlight the pivotal role of planning and design, implementation, and operation and maintenance phases. Notably, green building design programs, green construction programs, and the property management level stand out as critical factors emerged as critical factors. These insights can inform strategies to reduce the cost of green buildings, thereby fostering energy conservation and emission reduction in the construction industry.