Life-cycle cost analysis — Guidelines.
RCW 39.35.050
in effectThe department, in consultation with affected public agencies, shall develop and issue guidelines for administering this chapter. The purpose of the guidelines is to define a procedure and method for performance of life-cycle cost analysis to promote the selection of low-life-cycle cost alternatives. At a minimum, the guidelines must contain provisions that: (1) Address energy considerations during the planning phase of the project; (2) Identify energy components and system alternatives including energy management systems, all-electric energy systems, renewable energy systems, and combined heat and power applications prior to commencing the energy consumption analysis; (3) Identify simplified methods to assure the lowest life-cycle cost alternatives for selected buildings with between twenty-five thousand and one hundred thousand square feet of usable floor area; (4) Establish times during the design process for preparation, review, and approval or disapproval of the life-cycle cost analysis; (5) Specify the assumptions to be used for escalation and inflation rates, equipment service lives, economic building lives, and maintenance costs; (6) Determine life-cycle cost analysis format and submittal requirements to meet the provisions of chapter 201, Laws of 1991; (7) Provide for review and approval of life-cycle cost analysis.
The department, in consultation with affected public agencies, shall develop and issue guidelines for administering this chapter. The purpose of the guidelines is to define a procedure and method for performance of life-cycle cost analysis to promote the selection of low-life-cycle cost alternatives. At a minimum, the guidelines must contain provisions that:
(1) Address energy considerations during the planning phase of the project;
(2) Identify energy components and system alternatives including energy management systems, all-electric energy systems, renewable energy systems, and combined heat and power applications prior to commencing the energy consumption analysis;
(3) Identify simplified methods to assure the lowest life-cycle cost alternatives for selected buildings with between twenty-five thousand and one hundred thousand square feet of usable floor area;
(4) Establish times during the design process for preparation, review, and approval or disapproval of the life-cycle cost analysis;
(5) Specify the assumptions to be used for escalation and inflation rates, equipment service lives, economic building lives, and maintenance costs;
(6) Determine life-cycle cost analysis format and submittal requirements to meet the provisions of chapter 201, Laws of 1991;
(7) Provide for review and approval of life-cycle cost analysis.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.35&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026