The elemental LCC should be undertaken as part of the strategic options appraisal process and used to inform the selection of significant building elements and systems, such as the structure, envelope and building services. Completing the options appraisal after key design decisions have been finalised may reduce its effectiveness and limit the opportunity for the findings to influence the final design.
However, the timing requirement can still be met, where the assessor agrees that there is a justification for the appraisal continuing into early AIA Stage 2 – Schematic Design (or equivalent), and clear evidence to demonstrate that:
- The key options remained under consideration during the appraisal.
- The findings were capable of influencing the final design solution.
- The intended outcomes of the elemental LCC process have not been compromised.
In all cases, the outline elemental LCC plan and identification of relevant project options must be completed by the end of Concept Design
