Life cycle energy and cost analysis of embodied, operational and user-transport energy reduction measures for residential buildings

Results identify the most cost effective energy reduction measures and discard some others which are financially prohibitive, namely the installation of photovoltaic panels and the use of hybrid cars. A number of recommendations for building designers, occupants, urban designers and planners and decision makers are provided based on the quantified benefits of each measure. This demonstrates the need for assessments with a broad scope and their potential to inform energy reduction strategies in the built environment.