A systematic decision support framework and prioritization method for energy projects in industrial organisations

Abstract

This paper describes a decision support framework to help industrial organisations make positive investment decisions on energy performance improvement projects. It is intended as a simple and repeatable approach for energy managers to promote informed, unbiased energy-related decision-making from top management. The framework is underpinned by a project prioritisation tool that uses economic, environmental, social and technical criteria. This tool is a hybrid multicriteria decision method that combines Analytical Hierarchy Process, Fuzzy Logic and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. The proposed methodology is applied in a case study concerning five energy projects in a Fortune 500 manufacturing corporation in the life sciences industry. Results show the application of this decision support framework resulted in increased funding for energy projects within this large organisation.