Are utility expenses classified as a direct or indirect cost?

Utility expenses are classified as indirect costs because they are not directly tied to a particular project or product. Instead, these expenses support the overall operations of a facility and are necessary for maintaining the environment in which research or other activities take place.

Indirect costs, like utilities, are often allocated across multiple projects or departments, as they benefit the entire facility rather than a single activity. This classification helps in budgeting and financial planning within research institutions and laboratories, as it allows administrators to account for these essential, albeit non-specific, expenses in a comprehensive manner when evaluating the total cost of operations.

Direct costs, on the other hand, can be directly attributed to a specific project, such as the purchase of animal feed or laboratory supplies needed for a specific experiment. Understanding the distinction between direct and indirect costs is crucial for effectively managing a laboratory's budget and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.