Was the choice of the Perot Museum’s façade cladding a way to save money up front, or long-term? Both, argue the museum’s operators, pointing to the following ways to quantify the cost savings realized through the use of precast concrete:

• The sand, aggregate, water, and cement used in the panels were sourced locally and the panels were poured within 500 miles of the building site.
  
  
• Precast concrete is extremely durable which will maintain its appearance overtime without utilizing precious resources such as water and power to clean and maintain it.
  
  
• Because precast concrete is factory-made, there is little waste created in the plant and it reduces construction waste and debris on site.
  
  
• The light color of the precast concrete helps reduce the heat island effect on the surrounding microclimate as well as human and wildlife habitat.
  
  
• The panels did not receive any post finishing such as acid etching or sand blasting.
  
  
• Precast concrete does not off-gas nor does it need to be sealed or painted.
  
  
• The efficient erection process reduces the use of energy and materials that are typically required for other façade types.
  
  
• As with all concrete, precast components can be recycled or down-cycled. Down-cycled building materials are easily broken down, because it comes apart with a minimum amount of energy and retains its original qualities. An example of down-cycling would be the use of crushed precast concrete as aggregate in new concrete or as base materials for roads, sidewalks, or concrete slabs.

Sources: Morphosis Architects and Good, Fulton & Farrell, on behalf of the Perot Museum of Nature & Science.

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