Managing the additional cost of passive buildings from the supply chain perspective: A case of Nanjing, China

Abstract

The development of passive buildings is of great significance for sustainable development worldwide. However, the features of passive buildings are high capital investment with long payback periods, and complex supply chains involving numerous and disparate enterprises, all of which result in the need for additional cost control measures. This study systematically explores the interaction mechanism among the factors influencing the additional cost of passive buildings from the supply chain perspective. The additional cost components of passive buildings and their influencing factors are first identified in the aspects of design, materials and equipment, and technology, based upon which a system dynamics model of the additional cost of passive buildings is established. By reference to a real-life case study, the model is verified and applied to simulations. The simulation results present the impact of different measures on the additional cost of passive buildings, and further reveal its sensitive factors and mechanism. Based on the above work, four targeted strategies to reduce the additional cost of passive buildings are proposed. This is done with a view to promoting the development of passive buildings, and ultimately reducing the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the construction industry.