Sustainability, Vol. 12, Pages 2873: A Publicly Available Cost Simulation of Sustainable Construction Options for Residential Houses (Sustainability)

major consideration for consumers and the residential construction industry is the cost–benefit and break-even of various sustainable construction options. This research provides apublicly available simulation that allows users to compare baseline construction options versussustainable options and evaluates both break-even costs as well as environmental effects. This R ShinyMonte Carlo simulation uses common pseudo-random number streams for replicability and includesoptions for solar, rainwater harvesting, wells, Icynene foam, engineered lumber, Energy Star windowsand doors, low flow fixtures, aerobic/non-aerobic/city waste treatment, electric versus gasolinevehicles, and many other options. This is the first simulation to quantify multiple sustainableconstruction options, associated break-even points, and environmental considerations for public use.Using user default parameters, coupled with a 100% solar solution for a baseline 3,000 square foot/279square meter house with 2 occupants results in a break-even of 9 years. Results show that many of thesustainable options are both green for the environment and green for the pocketbook.