The Role of the Built Environment in Achieving Sustainable Development: A Life Cycle Cost Perspective

Life cycle cost (LCC) analysis has become a key tool for evaluating the long-term economic and environmental performance of built assets, yet its application in marinas and marine infrastructure remains underdeveloped. This review provides the first structured attempt to apply LCC to marina infrastructure, addressing the lack of sector-specific models for pontoons, mooring systems, and marina operations. It also synthesizes research on LCC methodologies, challenges, and emerging trends relevant to coastal facilities, with a particular focus on pontoons, mooring systems, and marina management practices. Studies reveal persistent barriers to effective implementation, including fragmented data systems, inconsistent regulations, and limited sector-specific tools. Existing models, largely adapted from other construction contexts, often overlook the unique technical, environmental, and operational demands of marine assets. The review critically examines international standards, procurement frameworks, and methodological approaches, highlighting opportunities to integrate sustainability considerations and address gaps in cost forecasting. It also identifies the need for standardized data collection practices and risk-based maintenance strategies tailored to harsh marine environments. By mapping current knowledge and methodological limitations, this work provides a foundation for developing more accurate, sector-specific LCC models and guidance. This literature review contributes to the advancement of sustainable coastal infrastructure planning by consolidating scattered research, emphasizing knowledge gaps, and outlining priorities for future studies, supporting policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to optimize investment decisions in marinas and related facilities.