Short answer

When designing infrastructure projects, utilize system dynamics modelling to map out interdependencies and identify the most impactful points for integrating sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle.

Field
Modelling
Source
Buildings (2025)
Method
System Dynamics Modelling
Evidence
Strong effect

A system dynamics model can visualize and analyze the complex interdependencies within infrastructure lifecycles, revealing critical intervention points for enhancing sustainability. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Buildings. Using System dynamics modelling, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing infrastructure projects, utilize system dynamics modelling to map out interdependencies and identify the most impactful points for integrating sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle.

Study
ModellingNew This WeekStrong effect

System Dynamics Model Identifies Key Levers for Sustainable Infrastructure Lifecycle Management

A system dynamics model can visualize and analyze the complex interdependencies within infrastructure lifecycles, revealing critical intervention points for enhancing sustainability.

Buildings · 2025

01

Key Findings

  • 01The SSDM effectively visualizes critical interdependencies influencing infrastructure sustainability.
  • 02Tools like LCA, BIM, and Circular Economy principles in the planning/design stage, and IoT and SHM in the operation/maintenance stage, significantly improve sustainability.
  • 03A gap exists between the theoretical adoption of sustainable practices and their practical implementation, exacerbated by context-specific knowledge deficits in developing countries.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing infrastructure projects, utilize system dynamics modelling to map out interdependencies and identify the most impactful points for integrating sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle.

How to apply

Use system dynamics software to build a similar model for your design project, mapping out the lifecycle stages and identifying how different design choices or material selections influence sustainability outcomes.

Project actions

  • 01When defining your project scope, consider the entire lifecycle of your designed product, not just its creation.
  • 02Identify potential feedback loops in your design process – how does one decision impact another later on?
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a system dynamics model effectively represent and analyze the interdependencies between sustainable infrastructure management tools and key variables across the entire infrastructure lifecycle to identify critical intervention points for improving sustainability?
MethodSystem Dynamics Modelling
ProcedureA Sustainable Systems Dynamic Model (SSDM) was developed, incorporating 21 sustainable-driving tools and 20 key infrastructure system management variables (ISMVs). The model represents the infrastructure lifecycle in five stages (planning/design, procurement, construction, operation/maintenance, renewal/disposal) and includes 12 balance and 25 reinforcement loops to illustrate interdependencies.
ContextInfrastructure management, particularly in developing countries, with a focus on sustainability.

Variables

IV["Implementation of sustainable-driving tools (e.g., LCA, BIM, IoT)","Lifecycle stages (planning/design, procurement, construction, operation/maintenance, renewal/disposal)"]
DV["Infrastructure sustainability","Interdependencies between variables and stages"]
CV["Key infrastructure system management variables (ISMVs)","Number and type of feedback loops (B and R loops)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Utilizes a robust system dynamics modelling approach to capture complex interactions.
  • +Addresses the critical issue of sustainability in infrastructure management, particularly relevant for developing economies.

Limitations

Building a full system dynamics model can be complex and time-consuming. The accuracy of the model depends heavily on the quality of the data used.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the model relies on the accuracy of the system dynamics simulation and the representativeness of the chosen variables and tools. Reliability would be assessed by the consistency of model outputs under similar conditions.

Think critically

To what extent can the identified 'sustainable-driving tools' be universally applied across diverse cultural and economic contexts, or do they require significant adaptation?

05

Design Principles

"Holistic lifecycle assessment and systemic integration of sustainable tools are paramount for effective infrastructure management."

Understanding the interconnectedness of planning, procurement, construction, operation, and disposal is crucial for effective sustainable design. This approach allows designers and engineers to move beyond isolated decisions and consider the systemic impacts of their choices.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Think of infrastructure like a complex machine with many moving parts. This study built a computer model to see how changing one part affects all the others, especially when trying to make it more environmentally friendly. It shows that certain 'green' tools work best at specific times in the life of a building or bridge.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of a holistic, lifecycle approach to sustainability in your design project.
  • 2.Use the identified key tools (LCA, BIM, etc.) as examples of effective sustainable design strategies.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the value of system dynamics modelling in understanding the complex interdependencies within infrastructure lifecycles, demonstrating how specific tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) can significantly enhance sustainability when integrated at critical stages. The study's findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to sustainable design, considering impacts across planning, procurement, construction, operation, and disposal.

09

Source

Buildings

Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Management: Insights from System Dynamics

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about system dynamics model identifies key levers for sustainable infrastructure lifecycle management?
When designing infrastructure projects, utilize system dynamics modelling to map out interdependencies and identify the most impactful points for integrating sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle. Evidence: Buildings (2025).
Why does "System Dynamics Model Identifies Key Levers for Sustainable Infrastructure Lifecycle Management" matter for design?
Understanding the interconnectedness of planning, procurement, construction, operation, and disposal is crucial for effective sustainable design. This approach allows designers and engineers to move beyond isolated decisions and consider the systemic impacts of their choices.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing infrastructure projects, utilize system dynamics modelling to map out interdependencies and identify the most impactful points for integrating sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle.
What were the main findings?
The SSDM effectively visualizes critical interdependencies influencing infrastructure sustainability.. Tools like LCA, BIM, and Circular Economy principles in the planning/design stage, and IoT and SHM in the operation/maintenance stage, significantly improve sustainability.. A gap exists between the theoretical adoption of sustainable practices and their practical implementation, exacerbated by context-specific knowledge deficits in developing countries.
What research method was used?
System Dynamics Modelling.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Buildings.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Use system dynamics software to build a similar model for your design project, mapping out the lifecycle stages and identifying how different design choices or material selections influence sustainability outcomes.
What are the limitations?
The model's applicability may vary depending on the specific context and data availability within different developing countries. The study focuses on a defined set of tools and variables.