Life Cycle Costing for Facilities, a New Reed Construction Data Publication, Provides Proven Methods for Attaining Higher Quality Facilities that Meet Both Construction and Operating Budgets

KINGSTON, MA (June 13, 2003) - RSMeans, a product line of Reed Construction Data (formerly CMD), announces the release of its newest book, Life Cycle Costing for Facilities. This new resource helps facility managers, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors gain a working understanding of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodology. The book shows how to use LCC to remain competitive by achieving quality goals, reducing costs and enhancing long-term profits.

The publication's instruction, cost data and electronic LCC spreadsheet tool will help design, construction, and facility professionals optimize building layout and select building systems, products and materials that will be most cost-efficient—initially and over the life of the facility. Mastering Life Cycle Costing enables architects and engineers to offer their clients enhanced skills and services for meeting construction and operations budgets without sacrificing building function or aesthetic requirements. The book's interactive LCC spreadsheets, downloadable from a dedicated Web site, can be used to conduct professional LCC studies and then present the results.

"Owners and facility designers are concerned with traditional cost-cutting approaches that yield the cheapest product, but end up sacrificing quality," says Roger Grant, vice president, Product Management, Reed Construction Data. "Life Cycle Costing, properly executed, enables them to achieve both—higher quality and costs that meet budget constraints. The book demonstrates how to apply and benefit from LCC in a broad variety of projects in new construction and remodeling."

In this new publication, authors Alphonse Dell'Isola and Dr. Stephen J. Kirk bring their highly respected LCC methodology to designers, owners, facility managers, developers, contractors, and others who seek to enhance long-term profits and build real value into their facilities.

Part I of this resource includes nine chapters covering all aspects of Life Cycle Costing methodology:

* The fundamentals of life cycle cost studies * Understanding the types of economic analyses involved in LCC * Methods for estimating Life Cycle Costs * Assessing Risk * Conducting an LCCA Study * Case studies for 16 projects in facilities such as health care, college campuses, and office, municipal and industrial buildings—and in projects such as roads and bridges, mechanical/electrical upgrades, and GSA materials procurement. * Management Considerations to oversee and allocate time/funds for LCC

Section II of Life Cycle Costing for Facilities contains 60 pages of LCC data that can be applied directly to life cycle cost studies for a wide variety of facility types. These are maintenance and replacement costs for all major facility elements, from foundation structures to walls and floors, plumbing, HVAC and electrical, and landscaping.

"Dell'Isola and Kirk are recognized internationally for their innovative leadership and extensive experience in Life Cycle Costing studies and techniques. They provide an in-depth explanation and straightforward approach to using and understanding the importance of Life Cycle Costing," says Grant.

For more information on Life Cycle Costing for Facilities or to order a copy of the book, please visit www.rsmeans.com or call 1-800-334-3509.