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A multi-criteria decision approach to sorting actions for promoting energy efficiency

Publication . Neves, Luís Miguel Pires; Martins, António Gomes; Antunes, Carlos Alberto Henggeler; Dias, Luís Miguel Cândido

This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision approach for sorting energy efficiency initiatives, promoted by electric utilities, with or without public funds authorized by a regulator, or promoted by an independent energy agency, overcoming the limitations and drawbacks of Cost-Benefit Analysis. The proposed approach is based on the ELECTRE-TRI multi-criteria method and allows the consideration of different kinds of impacts, although avoiding difficult measurements and unit conversions. The decision is based on all the significant effects of the initiative, both positive and negative ones, including ancillary effects often forgotten in cost-benefit analysis. The ELECTRE-TRI, as most multi-criteria methods, provides to the Decision Maker the ability of controlling the relevance each impact can have on the final decision in a transparent way. The decision support process encompasses a robustness analysis, which, together with a good documentation of the parameters supplied into the model, should support sound decisions. The models were tested with a set of real-world initiatives and compared with possible decisions based on Cost-Benefit analysis.

2008-07Journal article

Open access

Structuring an MCDA model using SSM: A case study in energy efficiency

Publication . Neves, Luís Miguel Pires; Dias, Luís Miguel Cândido; Antunes, Carlos Alberto Henggeler; Martins, António Gomes

This work presents the use of a problem structuring method, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), to structure a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model, aimed at appraising energy efficiency initiatives. SSM was useful to help defining clearly the decision problem context and the main actors involved, as well as to unveil the relevant objectives for each stakeholder. Keeney’s Value Focused Thinking approach was then used to refine and structure the list of objectives according to the perspective of the main evaluators identified. In addition to describing this particular case study, this paper aims at providing some general guidelines on how SSM may facilitate the emergence of objectives for MCDA models.

2009-12-16Journal article

Open access