What could help a building owner assess the initial costs of ENERGY STAR appliances?

The best choice for helping a building owner assess the initial costs of ENERGY STAR appliances is life cycle costing of the trade-offs between the capital and operating costs.

Life cycle costing is a financial analysis technique that evaluates the total cost of ownership over the life span of an appliance or system. This approach doesn't just consider the initial purchase price (capital cost) but also factors in ongoing operating costs, such as energy consumption and maintenance. Given that ENERGY STAR appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient, they typically produce savings on energy bills over time. By analyzing these costs together, building owners can make informed decisions that take into account both the upfront investment and the long-term savings, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of their choices regarding energy-efficient appliances.

Other options, while useful in their own contexts, do not provide the same focused financial analysis. An environmental impact assessment would primarily look at the environmental benefits and drawbacks rather than the costs. A survey of tenant satisfaction may provide insights into how tenants value energy-efficient appliances, but it doesn't directly inform on costs. Lastly, consultation with energy auditors would offer expertise on energy use and potential efficiency improvements, but may not lay out the specific financial trade-offs involved in the purchase of ENERGY STAR appliances.