A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Structural Insulated Panels for Residential Buildings in a Hot and Arid Climate

In hot and humid climatic conditions, cooling tends to dominate building thermal energy use. Cooling loads can be reduced through the adoption of efficient envelope materials, such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). This study quantifies life cycle cost operational a representative case-study house in Bahrain using SIPs hollow concrete blocks (HCBs) for over period 50 years. Operational is calculated dynamic simulation tool, costs are based on demand local tariff rates, construction estimated market prices quotations. The quantified Net Present Cost technique. Results show that yield 20.6% reduction use compared HCBs. For SIP 12 17 USD/m2, was cheaper throughout, or had higher capital than HCB (breaking even year 33), respectively. We propose policy recommendations with respect material pricing, electricity tariffs, efficiency, improve efficiency houses similar countries along Arabian Peninsula.