A System Dynamics Model to Promote Awareness of the Green Transition Challenges in Higher Education Institutions

  • Eduardo Franco
  • , Stefano Armenia
  • , Odysseas Christou
  • , George Tsaples
  • , Juan Uribe-Toril
  • , Jason Papathanasiou

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Higher education institutions (HEIs) are crucial in transitioning to sustainable, carbon-neutral societies. However, achieving sustainability in HEIs requires systemic transformation across governance, operations, teaching, and research. This paper presents a simulation model designed to enhance awareness and strategic decision-making regarding sustainability in HEIs. The model was developed within a European transnational project focusing on a Whole Institution Approach (WIA) to sustainability through systems thinking. By integrating feedback loops and dynamic interdependencies, the model allows HEIs to simulate and evaluate policies, assess long-term sustainability impacts, and identify leverage points for transformation. A hypothetical case study illustrates the model’s application, providing an interactive learning environment for stakeholders. The model highlights the importance of aligning policies, resource allocation, and cultural shifts within HEIs to address the green transition and stimulates reflection on mental models and the development of sustainability strategies.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationDecision Support Systems XIV. Human-Centric Group Decision, Negotiation and Decision Support Systems for Societal Transitions - 11th International Conference on Decision Support System Technology, ICDSST 2025, Proceedings
    EditorsBoris Delibašić, Sandro Radovanović, Pavlos Delias, Shaofeng Liu, Sérgio Pedro Duarte
    PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
    Pages127-138
    Number of pages12
    ISBN (Print)9783031908620
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2025
    Event11th International Conference on Decision Support System Technology, ICDSST 2025 - Belgrade, Serbia
    Duration: 26 May 202529 May 2025

    Publication series

    NameLecture Notes in Business Information Processing
    Volume546 LNBIP
    ISSN (Print)1865-1348
    ISSN (Electronic)1865-1356

    Conference

    Conference11th International Conference on Decision Support System Technology, ICDSST 2025
    Country/TerritorySerbia
    CityBelgrade
    Period26/05/2529/05/25

    Keywords

    • Decision Support Model
    • Higher Education
    • Sustainability
    • System Dynamics
    • Whole Institution Approach

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