Evaluating Planning Strategies for Prioritizing the most viable Projects to Maximize Investment Returns

Abstract

Maximizing investment returns and the entire project benefits through strategic project prioritization is paramount in programs aimed at enhancing the sustainability of building infrastructures. This necessity is particularly evident when implementing a revolving-fund approach, leveraging savings from initial projects for subsequent improvements. The success of such an approach depends on the meticulous prioritization of projects. However, the task of project prioritization during the planning phase is complex due to competing performance metrics and resource constraints. This study assesses the impact of various project prioritization strategies on the performance of sustainability programs employing a revolving-fund model. Utilizing system dynamics, a novel modeling technique for sustainability decision-analysis was developed and calibrated using a campus sustainability improvement program. The study evaluates the effects of five common project-prioritization strategies on program performance metrics across diverse initial investment levels. Findings from a university case study suggest that prioritizing projects based on decreasing benefit/cost ratio proves to be the most effective strategy. This research underscores the role of employing a system dynamics model in enabling sustainability program managers to make informed decisions, thereby facilitating financially and environmentally successful program implementations focused on maximizing investment returns.