Systems thinking and modelling for buildings' sustainable site selection

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2019

Abstract

Sustainable site selection is considered the first challenging step in the decisionmaking process for green buildings. It has a progressive effect on the rest of the sustainable categories. Nevertheless, these intrinsic effects are unexploited. Accordingly, this study uses systems thinking and modelling approaches to represent and simulate the feedback loops for proper site selection under 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED) system. The results indicate that 42% of available points are directly related to site potentials, while 21% are indirectly relatedwhich in sum qualifies the project to the Gold certification level. It also shows dominant and latent feedback loops with other sustainable categories; achieving less energy consumption and water use, promoting the use of green materials and resources as well as providing better indoor environmental quality. Furthermore, it indicates that LEED energy and atmosphere is the most affected category by decisions related to site selection. The presented model sets an objective base for site selection and provides valuable research output for academic and industry outreach.

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