This software, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, provides computational support for the analysis of capital investments in buildings. The BLCC programs conduct economic analyses by evaluating the relative cost effectiveness of alternative buildings and building-related systems or components.

Typically, BLCC software is used to evaluate alternative designs that have higher initial costs but lower operating-related costs over the project life than the lowest-initial-cost design. It is especially useful for evaluating the costs and benefits of energy and water conservation and renewable energy projects. The life-cycle cost (LCC) of two or more alternative designs are computed and compared to determine which has the lowest LCC and is therefore more economical in the long run.

Download the software from the U.S. DOE's Federal Energy Mangement Program Web site.