Why do operational costs constitute the majority of lifecycle costs in sustainable buildings?
1) Sustainable features often require low upfront investment, but the operational costs are significant due to increased efficiency.
2) Operational costs are a highly expensive one-time cost that remains constant over the building's lifespan and is unaffected by energy-efficient design choices.
3) Initial construction costs, including materials and labor, are one-time expenses, whereas operational costs recur throughout the building's use phase, accumulating to a larger total over time.
4) Operational costs encompass ongoing expenses such as energy consumption, water usage, and maintenance, which accrue over the building's lifespan and can surpass initial construction costs due to their recurring nature.