The Harvard Life Cycle Costing policy and calculator was designed to aid Harvard decision makers in considering all present and future costs related to new construction, renovation, equipment replacement, or any other project that involves upfront and ongoing expenditures.
The methods used in the calculator correspond to ASTM Life Cycle Cost Analysis standards. Assumptions are Harvard-specific: utility rates are forecasted by Campus Services, and the discount rate used is Harvard’s internal interest rate (currently 8%). By using standard methodologies and assumptions, individuals and organizations across Harvard will be able to compare results and build confidence in their interpretations.