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Specification options: glazing for curtain walls (nominal cleaning and energy costs included)
 Capital cost (£/m2)Life-cycle cost (£/m2 over 60 years)Expected service life (years) 
Single glazed; 10mm toughened glass to BS EN 12150; 5.6 W/m2K35-4526260+ 
Double glazed; clear glass; 6-16-6; 2.7 W/m2K50-6022820-50 
Double glazed; Low-E glass; 6-16-6; 1.7 W/m2K56-6621720-50 
Double glazed; Low-E glass; argon filled; 6-16-6; 1.5 W/m2K60-7021620-50 
Double glazed; Low-E glass; argon filled; 6-16-6; 1.5 W/m2K, self-cleaning95-10521920-50 
Table notes A discount rate of 3% is used to calculate net present values. Energy and cleaning costs are nominal and illustrative only. Costs are vary enormously. Key factors include fuel type and tariff paid; location, geometry, size, height, complexity and orientation of building; area of glazing, thermal insulation properties of non-glazing fabric, heating and cooling system; occupancy patterns and thermal requirements. Cleaning costs will be influenced by external environment, for example, level of pollutants, access provision and level of cleaning required. Capital costs are for the glazing only. Insulated glass units to BS EN 1279. U-values relate to centre pane. Life cycle costs are indicative and are based on the average of capital costs and service lives. A cost analysis based on project specific information is essential for a realistic best value appraisal.