Research from the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association, St. Charles, Ill., reveals suspended ceilings can reduce a building’s lifetime operating costs through energy and maintenance savings.

“The Life Cycle Study: Suspended Ceilings v. Open Plenum” shows that although suspended ceilings cost more initially, they can achieve a life-cycle payback in less than 11 months compared with open-plenum designs, depending on building type and region.

Based on 2006-07 energy rates, suspended ceilings can lower energy costs by 9 to 17 percent. Maintenance costs are estimated to be at least 10 percent less than open-plenum designs.The study looked at two building prototypes, a low-rise/mid-rise office building and single-story retail food store. Construction and operating costs were evaluated in Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Oklahoma City; Orlando, Fla.; and Phoenix to represent a broad range of climate zones, labor markets, construction practices and costs, as well as energy-rate levels.

To request a free copy of the summary report, e-mail cisca@cisca.org, or call (630) 584-1919.