Francis, A and Thomas, A (2023) System dynamics modelling coupled with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) for sustainability-related policy analysis and decision-making in the built environment. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 12(3), pp. 534-564. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: System dynamics has several applications in the built environment, and few studies indicate that it has potential in evaluating sustainability. Sustainability in the built environment involves numerous entities and multiple trade-offs. Hence, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method is ideal for promoting sustainability-based decision-making in the built environment. Therefore, this study integrates system dynamics with an MCDM method to enable the sustainability assessment by capturing the time-induced dynamic changes affecting long time sustainability performance of buildings. Design/methodology/approach: Conventional sustainability assessment tools in the built environment lack a comprehensive evaluation that balances the needs of the society, economy and environment. This study develops a system dynamics-based framework to enable sustainability-conscious decision-making and policy analysis in the built environment. Findings: Various material, technology and water-related policies specific to the buildings are investigated for a case study building. It is found that the effect of penetration of renewable energy technology to the tune of 80% and above in the energy mix is a much superior policy in sustainability improvement in comparison to material and water-related policies. The study also demonstrates the effect of weights assigned for the different indicators on sustainability-based decisions. Originality/value: The study provides a methodological framework for a sustainability-based decision support system for the built environment that enables dynamic performance evaluation by coupling system dynamics with the MCDM. This coupling further strengthens system dynamics as a decision-making and policy analysis for sustainability evaluation in the built environment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | built environment; mcdm; sustainability assessment; system dynamics |
| Index terms: | modelling, penetration, built environment, coupling, sustainability performance, policy analysis, energy mix, case study, renewable energy, performance evaluation, methodology, decision-making, system dynamics, sustainability assessment, society, multi-criteria decision-making, decision support |
| Subjects: | energy systems, analytical methods, computing systems, data collection methods, policy studies, infrastructure and transport systems, communities and social development, systems engineering, market analysis, decision analysis, performance measurement, sustainability assessment, research methods |
| Topics: | Governance, Sustainability, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Quality Management, Urban Studies, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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