An Integrated Multi-criteria Decision Making Model for Evaluating Sustainability Rating Systems

Abstract

Heritage buildings require special attention because of their unique architectural style. Due to the lack of rating systems designed for heritage buildings, this paper presents an assessment tool that considers specific characteristics of heritage buildings. The utilized rating systems worldwide are identified, studied and compared to test their advantages and limitations. As such, a group of attributes is identified to evaluate the current sustainability ratings including site and ecology, material waste reduction, indoor environmental quality, etc. Analytical Hierarchy Process is utilized for interpreting the weights of the attributes. The comparative analysis is carried out using an integrated paradigm that comprises four multi-criteria decision making techniques namely, grey relational analysis, complex proportional assessment, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution and multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis. Average ranking algorithm is then adopted for the sake of establishing a holistic evaluation of the sustainability rating tools. Results demonstrated that German Sustainable Building Council accomplished the highest ranking while green globe and greenship Indonesia provided the lowest ranking. It was also inferred that these systems failed to deal with heritage buildings. Therefore, it is recommended to develop a system designed specifically for heritage buildings by adjusting related rating systems. It is expected also that the developed model will enable the user to map the main deficiencies in the current sustainability rating systems, which paves way for more comprehensive and efficient rating sustainability heritage rating systems.