This improves employee productivity and student learning. Citizens are getting a more cost-effective city government and saving their tax dollars. For example, an LCCA might reveal that a city or county could save money on energy by retrofitting the lighting system in a building. By retrofitting the lighting system, that local government gains more than just energy and dollar savings. Efficient lighting systems boast more accurate color and less glare, which can increase worker productivity.
Free software is available that makes LCCA easy and inexpensive.
The software, Building Life-Cycle Costing Computer Program, Version 4.14, was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program. In addition, it provides an economic analysis of proposed capital investments that are expected to reduce long-term operating costs of buildings or building systems. Another procurement approach is performance contracting. The city or county uses resulting energy savings to pay for the improvements. Performance contracts are often structured as a lease, but with a guarantee that payments will not exceed energy savings.