A Systems Perspective on Sustainable Construction: Applying Operations Research to Green Building Initiatives

Abstract

This paper explores how operations research (OR) methodologies can enhance green building initiatives through a systems approach, integrating decision-making domains such as finance, marketing, manufacturing, and service operations. The research employs a comprehensive literature review and application of OR techniques to analyze and optimize sustainable construction practices. Key objectives include understanding the role of decision theory in improving project decisions, exploring financial and marketing strategies to promote green building, implementing manufacturing and operations theory to reduce waste, and investigating emerging technologies like Digital Twins and agent-based modeling for resource optimization. Findings reveal that OR tools, such as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), artificial intelligence (AI), and data envelopment analysis (DEA), enable stakeholders to balance sustainability, cost, and efficiency. Technologies like Digital Twins simulate real-time building performance, while agent-based modeling optimizes resource allocation. These methods reduce material waste, improve energy efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. The study concludes that OR-driven strategies offer significant potential to enhance sustainability in construction, providing actionable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and academics. However, practical implementation requires investment in technology and training. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary approaches and real-world applications to validate the effectiveness of OR methodologies in diverse construction contexts. This research contributes to the evolution of sustainable construction practices, paving the way for a greener built environment.