ABSTRACT
One of the major development trends in the transport infrastructure and buildings domain is a shift in the value chain from the construction itself to the operation, although economic and governance models are still far from stable. The complexity of transport systems and land use systems requires a detailed understanding of how they work. This kind of understanding is based on analytical and digital models, which can simulate the way they work and the effects of diverse management strategies on sustainability, including not just economic aspects, but also social and environmental impacts. Concern for environmental issues is increasing around the world, especially in developing countries, so that deciders and companies are under pressure to act. The concern is global and mainly involves the production of greenhouse gases; but it is also local, with a demand for better quality of water, air, atmosphere, landscape and protection of local ecosystems. Lastly, sustainable development is becoming an economic issue for business, in particular since economic models are shifting towards the long term to include the rising cost of energy and soon CO2 emission permits. These facts bring new risks, but also opportunities to change technological and operating compromises, especially in sectors connected to the built environment or transport, for which different types of public utilities propose frameworks for design and concrete action.
