Analyzing sustainability behavior of building materials using system dynamics and decision-making techniques

The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. To address these challenges, this research develops a comprehensive framework for selecting sustainable building materials that minimize environmental impact and support climate change mitigation. The proposed methodology is structured into three key stages: (1) identification of sustainability criteria, (2) simulation of sustainability behavior, and (3) selection of sustainable strategies. In the first stage, 27 sustainability parameters were identified through a systematic review of literature and rating systems. These parameters were evaluated using a structured questionnaire distributed to 70 construction experts, applying a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and factor loading, were used to assess reliability and validity, resulting in the elimination of 11 parameters and the result of 16 key criteria. The second stage involves developing a System Dynamics (SD) model to simulate the performance of building material alternatives against selected sustainability criteria. The model evaluates materials based on five key criteria: carbon emissions, energy savings, material cost, resource-use efficiency, and waste reduction. These criteria align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 and SDG 12. In the final stage, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are integrated to prioritize and select the most suitable sustainable material strategy. The study evaluates five alternative material scenarios in comparison to a base case. As part of this process, a sustainability guide is developed, outlining the sustainability scores associated with each material alternative. Among the five scenarios, Scenario 3 emerges as the most sustainable option. This scenario comprises the use of reused steel, rapidly renewable wood, prefabricated gypsum board, and cast-in-place concrete. This combination achieves the highest overall sustainability score, demonstrating strong potential for supporting climate-conscious construction practices. The framework is validated through a case study of a healthcare facility in Suez, Egypt, demonstrating its applicability for real-world decision-making in sustainable construction practices.