A prototype decision support system for green roof type selection: A cybernetic fuzzy ANP method

Abstract

The decision to install a particular type of green roof (GR) should be made during the design stage of a project due to the different costs and benefits each GR type offers. Although much research has been conducted into the various types of GR, there is a gap in our understanding of the process of decision-making during the selection of a GR type. This paper aims to develop a decision support system (DSS) for selecting the optimum type of GR for residential buildings in Kuala Lumpur. The decision criteria were initially determined using fuzzy Delphi method, followed by the creation of a database based on expert opinions, where the experts met certain criteria regarding their expertise in this field. For data analysis, a cybernetic fuzzy analytic network process was employed as a hybrid method that ignores the least important criteria in selecting the optimum type of GR for a building. Three examples are provided to illustrate the applicability of this prototype DSS in detail. Finally, it was concluded that the prototype DSS automates the entire process of GR type selection. Moreover, it enables decision-makers to select the most suitable alternative considering all significant financial and non-financial decision criteria.