For Jasper D’Helft, Concept Engineer at EEG Sint-Martens-Latem, there is no doubt: TCO, or Total Cost of Ownership, is becoming an increasingly decisive factor in the construction sector. “TCO is more than just a number; it helps us make informed decisions and select the most cost-efficient and sustainable solution over the long term.”
A practical example
In recent months, EEG Sint-Martens-Latem carried out an in-depth TCO analysis to optimise the technical installation in a plant room for one of its clients. Under Jasper’s guidance, intern Jarne Ribbens, a student in Electromechanics – Climate Systems, took the lead in the project and immersed himself in the world of lifecycle costs. Jarne was responsible for collecting the necessary data and mapping all operating costs throughout the entire lifespan of the installation.
In construction and renovation projects, where the balance between initial investment and operating expenses is crucial, TCO analyses of technical installations can generally be approached in two ways. The first scenario involves a lower initial investment but higher operating costs, while the second requires a higher upfront investment and delivers lower operating costs over time. “When conducting a TCO analysis, maintenance costs also need to be taken into account,” Jasper explains. “In the study Jarne and I carried out, we calculated the energy costs for two different scenarios: one based on a heat pump and one based on a hybrid system. We also considered two maintenance strategies: a 30-year period on the one hand, and a 15-year period combined with the replacement of the energy source on the other.”
“The heat pump solution over a thirty-year period proved to be the best option,” Jarne says enthusiastically. “Although the initial investment is higher, the client will clearly recover that investment through significant energy savings over time.”
Taking a pioneering role
EEG considers TCO analyses an increasingly important element in the decision-making process of clients and investors. “We see a growing focus on the impact of energy costs,” says Jasper. “At EEG, we want to play a leading role in this transition by promoting TCO analyses and increasing awareness of the long-term benefits of sustainable solutions. By integrating TCO into our projects, we help our clients make well-informed decisions.”
An internship with a real impact
Intern Jarne played a key role in the TCO study during his placement at EEG Sint-Martens-Latem. “It was a unique opportunity to put theory into practice,” he explains. “I am proud to have contributed to this TCO study and to have supported EEG in a meaningful way.”
Operational Director Maarten Nuytten agrees: “At EEG, we recognise the importance of internships. Our interns do much more than administrative tasks; we actively involve them in the more complex aspects of our business. We are therefore very pleased with the role Jarne took on during his internship and sincerely thank him for his valuable contribution to our TCO study.”