Providing an internationally standardized SCS and consolidating cable-delivery methods for all the systems can reduce initial construction costs for the cabling infrastructure of a modern intelligent building by up to 30 percent. The actual level of savings achieved depends upon the configuration and geographical pricing for material and labor. This also gives the structure an inherent ability to respond quickly and cost-effectively to the changing needs of tenants, which impacts the cost to occupy the space. In some cases, additional construction expenditures for the SCS or BMS, such as devices to optimize the use of power consumption, may be necessary to reduce the operational expenses. However, the costs for cabling-related changes can typically be reduced by 25 to 40 percent—with possible savings of up to 60 percent—for a new or renovated facility when using a total systems integration approach.

As Figure 1 indicates, typical costs for building operation and alterations over a 40-year life cycle far exceed the initial construction costs. Proper systems-integration planning to optimize the construction process can reduce these ongoing life cycle costs.

Figure 1. Typical Costs for a SCS