Multi-criteria Assessment Methodology Research Articles

An urban plan evaluation for park accessibility: a case in Izmir (Türkiye)

Plan evaluations about park accessibility are rare at the neighbourhood scale. Moreover, urban plans traditionally identify park accessibility with predetermined measurements that may ignore limited walking conditions of children, the elderly, women with children, and low-income groups. Alternatively, this paper considers equitable (rather than equal) park accessibility as an important goal concerning environmental justice. To guide a path to achieving this goal, it investigates how to assess and revise urban plans with parks within walking distance to social groups in the case of a plan (1/1000 scale) in Izmir (Türkiye). Deployment of the location-allocation analysis (a multi-criteria assessment methodology in Geographic Information Systems, GIS) allows this research to consider physical/geographical barriers to walkability in actual neighbourhood settings and reconfigure such barriers as contextual variables, including limited walking distances of disadvantaged groups. Ultimately, this study also contributes to how to handle spatial and demographic data deficiencies in Türkiye when measuring equitable accessibility of public facilities by walking. Results identify an uneven distribution of park accessibility even within the neighbourhood on the plan and the potential for improving park accessibility by designing some non-park public lands with park features.

Multi-Criteria Assessment of Bridge Sites for Conducting PSTD/ISTD: Case Histories

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently developed the Portable Scour Testing Device (PSTD) to improve scour analysis around bridge piers in cohesive soils as part of the NextScour project. The PSTD is a compact field erosion testing device that, apart from a drill rig and larger water pump, has a lot of similarity with the In-situ Scour Testing Device (ISTD) in mechanism and data acquisition. The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations on the suitability of using PSTD and ISTD at sites that have cohesive subsurface soils. An overview of the capabilities and limitations of the PSTD/ISTD in relation to hydraulic considerations, soil types, depth coverages, and erodibility potential is given. A multi-criteria assessment methodology to evaluate site suitability for conducting PSTD/ISTD is presented. The assessment methodology was utilized to detect suitable sites among 30 Illinois bridge sites using soil layer information, boring locations, groundwater level readings, in-situ testing results, geospatial analysis, site accessibility, and aerial photos.

Integrated Design of Working Fluid Mixtures and Absorption Refrigeration Cycles

This work presents a CAMD (computer-aided molecular design) approach for the design of working fluid mixtures used in ABR (absorption refrigeration) cycles. Compared to previous works, the proposed approach introduces two major improvements. It employs for the first time an ABR process model in the course of CAMD, hence enabling the evaluation of the generated mixtures considering process performance indicators. It enables for the first time the simultaneous generation and evaluation of molecular structures for both refrigerants and absorbents. The employed model and CAMD optimization problem formulation incorporates major ABR operational driving forces pertaining to efficient refrigeration, sufficient solubility of mixture components and ease of separation in the generator. The approach employs a multicriteria assessment methodology both during CAMD and for the evaluation of selected mixtures using a more rigorous ABR model at a second stage. The work identifies novel mixtures, with Acetaldehyde/2-Methoxyethyl acetate and Acetaldehyde/Methanediol exhibiting the highest performance. The latter exhibits 3% higher COP (coefficient of performance) and cooling output than the reference mixture NH3/H2O, whereas it operates at 87 and 89% lower high and low cycle pressures. The novel mixtures are also compared with novel mixtures previously identified through a heuristic approach by the authors. The latter mixtures indicate overall higher ABR performance but similar or worse performance in safety, health and environmental impact indices. Further performance improvements may be achieved by including into CAMD additional chemical groups to be able to simulate the complex absorbent structures available in published works.

Multi-criteria assessment of energy sector nationally appropriate mitigation actions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has shown its commitment for greenhouse gas mitigation by publishing nationally determined contributions. Key share of mitigation targets is from the energy sector, amounting to about 40 Mt CO2e during 2020-2030. 52 mitigation options (MOs), referred to as nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs), were identified with a total mitigation potential of 75 Mt CO2e. Globally, the commonly used methodology for prioritization of NAMAs is the marginal abatement cost (MAC) analysis. However, this approach has received criticism over the effectiveness due to its inability to consider other important aspects such as barriers, enablers and co-benefits. The present study proposes a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) methodology involving more comprehensive characteristics of MOs and use of sustainability criteria/indicators to broaden the applicability of MAC analysis. The proposed methodology involves a stage-wise evaluation in three levels. Firstly, MOs identified are pre-screened based on technology maturity and information availability as indicators for chance of success in implementation. Among 52 MOs, 38 qualified for the next assessment level. These MOs are then undergone screening, where MAC and mitigation potential are combined with a scoring system together with a prescribed benchmark value as a qualifying criterion. Accordingly, 31 MOs are qualified, which represent a total mitigation potential of 62 Mt CO2e.Finally, at third level, indicators in relation to barriers, enablers and co-benefits are used to derive an overall score of MCA. The results of MAC and MCA analyses are used in conjunction to prioritize MOs under three appealing levels as 07 highly, 14 moderately and 10 least, with a total mitigation potentials of about 17.1, 32.4 and 12.8 Mt CO2e, respectively. Accordingly, the 21 high and moderate appealing MOs could contribute to the NDC targets. It is concluded that MCA methodology proposed is a sound approach in prioritizing MOs.

How attractive is Brazil’s oil and gas regulatory framework to investors?

The Government of Brazil has shown a willingness to overhaul its regulatory framework in a bid to optimize the economic and technological development of its oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) market. Using a multicriteria assessment methodology that compares the regulatory frameworks in place in several hydrocarbon-producing countries, this paper evaluates the regulatory apparatus in place in Brazil. It is argued that Brazil should modify its regulatory framework if it is committed to encouraging investment in its E&P market, beginning with instituting a simpler tax structure and incorporating more progressive policy mechanisms.

Regulatory impact assessment for implementing energy efficient lighting standards in the small island developing state of Antigua & Barbuda

A regulatory impact assessment (RIA) was conducted to provide information and analyses to support government decision-making on policy and conformity assessment options for adoption of proposed energy efficient lighting standards in the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The methodology comprised of a multi-criteria assessment methodology coupled with perceptual cost effectiveness assessment, based on primary data obtained from an expert panel. Findings suggest that a voluntary incentive policy with intervention in the consumer market such as a product subsidy possibly coupled with a product exchange scheme in phased approach towards a mandatory obligation to energy efficient lighting products could be the way forward. Findings also suggest suitability of a third-party conformity assessment approach whereby manufacturers/suppliers/importers will require certification for energy efficient lighting products by an approved, accredited entity before or upon local market entry. The RIA is useful to government policy makers seeking to justify and prioritize their available options for efficient and effective adoption of the proposed lighting standards. This study also introduces the RIA as an approach that should be institutionalized in the Caribbean region as a tool for data driven and evidence based policy decisions.

Using participatory Multi-Criteria Assessments for assessing disaster risk reduction measures

This paper introduces a participatory Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) methodology developed through the Resilience Increasing Strategies for Coasts – Toolkit (RISC-KIT) project and implemented in nine case studies in Europe. The purpose of the MCA was to bridge the disciplinary divide between engineering sciences and social sciences, facilitate the communication and dissemination of local coastal risk assessments and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures' evaluation to a broad range of actors. The process addressed the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with stakeholders’ knowledge to understand and assess the possible social, political and economic implications of different DRR measures, which could foster or hinder successful implementation. The paper discusses the methodological aspects and implementation of the approach which included visualizing risk reduction of DRR measures using paper-based cards to support interaction and negotiation among participants to select preferred strategic alternatives (SA), and a participatory MCA where stakeholders evaluated the SA against three (self-weighted) criteria: feasibility, acceptability and sustainability.

Multi-criteria assessment for the effective decision management in residential energy retrofitting

Building sector is responsible for 40% of European energy consumption, of which heating and cooling account for around 70%. Moreover, 75% of buildings for 2050 are already built in Europe. On the road to a sustainable energy transition, this article develops a multi-criteria assessment methodology for the environmental, economic and social evaluation of different residential energy retrofit solutions, based on effectiveness indices. This methodology allows improving the decision management in residential energy retrofitting by identifying the most effective solutions according to the requirements and needs of each intervening agent (citizens, public administrations and private promoters). The methodology is based on the integrated analysis of environmental, economic and social variables. It is applied to a Mediterranean case study from Southern Spain built in 1955. As part of methodology, survey data from the different stakeholders were collected, identifying the keys that condition the viability of the measures. The results show that measures with few inconveniences to tenants, investment costs below 2000 ⿬/dwelling and payback periods below 15 years are the most viable by end-users⿿ implementation in the Mediterranean area, but between them, only efficient heat pumps allow achieving more than 45% of CO2 emissions reduction (with a payback period of 6 years).

Systematic selection of amine mixtures as post-combustion CO2 capture solvent candidates

A systematic approach is proposed for the preliminary screening of binary amine mixtures as CO2 capture candidates considering several important properties as selection criteria. The approach consists of several decision making stages which account for solvent–solvent and solvent–solvent–CO2 interactions using standard group contribution models as well as equations of state and activity coefficient models for a wide range of molecular structures. A multi-criteria assessment methodology is combined with a systematic uncertainty quantification approach to unveil important trade-offs among several important properties and to propose the mixtures that appear to be promising as CO2 capture candidates. The aim of the proposed approach is to support the identification of few valid amine combinations which may then be evaluated using rigorous prediction models or experiments, while quickly avoiding amine options of poor performance. The proposed method is applied in mixtures resulting from numerous binary combinations of amines which have been previously investigated in their pure aqueous form as CO2 capture solvents. A mixture of 4-diethylamino-2-butanol (DEAB) and 2-amino-1-hexanol (2A1H) appears to be promising among other useful options.

Assessment of Transport Connections Based on Accessibility

Enhancement of transport connections is an important condition for achieving better mobility and economic development possibilities in regions. Usually in a given region the economic and social development is concentrated mainly at the central city and its agglomeration, therefore a realistic accessibility goal is to reach this center from the farthest settlement within a reasonable amount of travel time. Recent accessibility analysis works have pointed out that the reality is far worse and some regions remain in a disadvantageous situation. Transport connections between central and peripheral areas may promote regional competition potential for the latter. A complex transport network indicator has been utilized for comparison of two neighboring countries, an EU member state and a non-member state, namely Hungary and Serbia. A cluster analysis has been performed in order to explain differences in transport network characteristics and socio-economic factors as well as assessing any possible connections. A new multi-criteria assessment methodology has been developed by combining two existing methods that is suitable for evaluation of transport network connections in order to justify reasonable developments in the regional infrastructure. As a result of assessment and consequent structural modifications the access to services would be easier, quicker and better, furthermore the regional competition potential would be enhanced and the disadvantageous situation of some peripheral territories would be eliminated. Regional planning can use the new methodology for explaining location and possible relocation of services as well as for enhancing transport network connections. Applying the proposed new methodology at regional level the characteristics of accessibility can be assessed and some “cross-border” solutions can be identified regarding neighboring countries. The recommended methodology incorporates fuzzy variables to take into account uncertainty within the assessment and provides a possibility for GIS based understandable presentation of results to enhance the procedure of decision preparing.

A Methodological and Practical Approach to Multidisciplinary Assessment of the Expansion of EU Transport Network: A Strategic Case for the Republic of Croatia

The paper addresses application of Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) methodology to evaluation of transport development options to connect two separated parts of the Republic of Croatia. Selected theoretical and practical aspects of MCA are addressed and efficiency of MCA application to multidisciplinary transport projects is evaluated. Mutual relationships between CBA, traffic modelling, and MCA are discussed.

Assesment of Energy Production Potential from Tidal Stream Currents in Indonesia

A multi-criteria assessment methodology that accounts for physical and environmental constraints is applied to assess the tidal stream power potential at eleven straits between Indian Ocean and inner Indonesian seas. In this paper, preliminary results of an assessment at the Strait of Larantuka are presented. The tidal stream power potential is evaluated on the basis of a calibrated and validated numerical model. It was found that the average tidal stream power density at some of the locations can exceed about 6kw/m2 and the practically exploitable energy yield from the Strait of Larantuka is about 20Gwh per year.

A multi-criteria assessment of the C-111 hydrologic restoration project – A case study

The hydrologic restoration of the Everglades ecosystem is underway within the C-111 basin. Some early projects have been operating for over 10 years and can now be quantitatively assessed. Some recent research presented in Wetlands provides a good beginning. This research article complements those efforts with a broader project assessment by focusing on buffer lands east of Everglades National Park and in the adjacent water control canal system. This article reviews the restoration progress of the C-111 Project over 12 years against its original performance metrics established in 1999–2000 using a multi-criteria assessment methodology. The authors, including members of the original project design team, discuss the original design hypotheses and then organize the assessment into quantity, quality, timing, and distribution (e.g. QQTD) metrics consistent with the overall restoration objectives of the Everglades system. The assessment is unique given that the original designers were afforded a rare opportunity to see how well their restoration plan actually worked. The broad assessment that was completed includes a 28 year water budget of the L-31 N/C-111 Canal located on the boundary of the Everglades; an accounting of undesirable discharges to Barnes Sound/Manatee Bay; an assessment of hydrologic restoration of buffer land wetlands; an assessment of water quality in the study area; and, an assessment of flood impacts. The study results reveal a mixed record of success for the original restoration plan.

Methodology for drafting least environmental cost railway corridors. Practical case study: High speed rail route Huelva (Spain) - Faro(Portugal)

This work enables the developing of a multi-criteria assessment methodology to find the least environmental cost railway corridor that connects Huelva (Spain) and Faro (Portugal). This paper is part of Interreg Project entitled “Strategical impact assessment (SIA) for the possible railway connections (high speed/conventional) Huelva-Algarve (EAE-FER)” (www.webrise.eu). The approach enables, in the first place, the selection of the environmental factors that will be considered in the model, the homogenization of environmental information from the two different countries, as well as its subsequent implementation in a GIS (Geographical Information System). In the second place cost surfaces are calculated from selected factors, and using a linear weighted combination and introducing the limited factors as a restriction, the final friction surface is obtained, which in conjunction with the points of origin and destination, it is possible to obtain the least- environmental-cost corridor and alignment.

The Multicriteria Assessment Methodology of the Decision Support System Implementation Effectiveness

The Multicriteria Assessment Methodology of the Decision Support System Implementation EffectivenessThe multi-criteria assessment methodology of implementation effectiveness of information systems illustrated by an example of decision support system (DSS) realized in w information technologies is presented in the article. The assessment of DSS under consideration takes place using the knowledge recorded in the form of fuzzy neural network, collected in an enterprise, on the basis of earlier realized implementations of other information systems. A model of retrieved DSS is expressed by means of a set of functionalities serving business processes of the enterprise under consideration. A model of implementation undertaking determined by means of a set of preparatory actions for the implementation and a set of directly implementation and exploitation actions is built for the retrieved DSS as well. Furthermore, a vector determining a current and planned implementation state of a set of DSS functionalities in the enterprise at time moments, before and after the commencement of planned implementation of the retrieved DSS is built. A concept of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers is used in building DSS models. An adjustment of fuzzy parameters of DSS models takes place by means of geometrical method of maximum absolute error points. A presented methodology enables to execute a multi-criteria effectiveness assessment of planned undertaking in relation to subjective criteria established by the enterprise (preferred time, cost and values of priority indexes). Additionally, the knowledge collected on the basis of earlier realized implementations of information systems and applied imprecise description of parameters taking into account errors made in their estimation in the past is used.

Development of a Multicriteria Assessment Model for Ranking Biomass Feedstock Collection and Transportation Systems

This study details multicriteria assessment methodology that integrates economic, social, environmental, and technical factors in order to rank alternatives for biomass collection and transportation systems. Ranking of biomass collection systems is based on cost of delivered biomass, quality of biomass supplied, emissions during collection, energy input to the chain operations, and maturity of supply system technologies. The assessment methodology is used to evaluate alternatives for collecting 1.8 x 10(6) dry t/yr based on assumptions made on performance of various assemblies of biomass collection systems. A proposed collection option using loafer/ stacker was shown to be the best option followed by ensiling and baling. Ranking of biomass transport systems is based on cost of biomass transport, emissions during transport, traffic congestion, and maturity of different technologies. At a capacity of 4 x 10(6) dry t/yr, rail transport was shown to be the best option, followed by truck transport and pipeline transport, respectively. These rankings depend highly on assumed maturity of technologies and scale of utilization. These may change if technologies such as loafing or ensiling (wet storage) methods are proved to be infeasible for large-scale collection systems.

Office building retrofitting strategies: multicriteria approach of an architectural and technical issue

In the context of an increasing number of retrofitting projects and greater consideration for the criteria of sustainability, architects and engineers are looking for a global optimization of existing buildings and therefore need to multiply comparisons between different possible variants. In order to structure the approach of this complex process, research carried out with the support of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) and the Swiss National Energy Research Foundation (NEFF) in the framework of the European Master in Architecture and Sustainability has made it possible to develop a multicriteria assessment methodology for office building retrofitting strategies applied to different case studies. The present article presents a synthesis of this research and an explanation of the method as a contribution to a global vision of the retrofitting process.