Economic life of a building
Several definitions have been developed to assess or specify the life of buildings, structures and their components, from the perspective of different stakeholders.
Economic life refers to the amount of time an element is in service before its replacement is more advantageous economically than the continued maintenance that will be required to keep it in service.
Economic life may be a key consideration of owners, particularly if they are managing the an asset from which they wish to ensure an adequate return on the investment they have made by purchasing or building it and operating it.
However, as there is no general legally-agreed definition of economic life, if it is to be included in contract documentation as a performance requirement, it is important that it is carefully defined within those contract documents and that it is consistent with all other requirements in the contract documents.
NB BG 87/2024, Useful Information Guide, written by Chin Hang “Kay” Lam and published by BSRIA in 2024, defines economic life as: ‘The estimated number of years until an item no longer represents the least expensive method of performing its function.’
Other definitions of life include:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Decommissioning.
- Demolition.
- Design quality for buildings.
- End of life potential.
- Fitness for purpose.
- Life.
- Life cycle assessment.
- Service life.
- Structures at the end of their design life.
- Useful life.
- Utilising life cycle costing and life cycle assessment.
- Whole-life costs.
Featured articles and news
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.