A Comparison of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods for Sustainability Assessment of District Heating Systems

The sustainability of energy systems is increasingly assessed for development more resilient, greener district heating (DH) systems. That requires compiling technological, environmental, and economic indicators in a social, political, institutional context. This work investigates DH system analysis by five frequently applied multi-criteria decision (MCDA) methods—WSM, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, ELECTRE DEA. To compare the assessment results, selection 8 criteria describing 12 companies (DHC) was examined. Sensitivity performed to determine most credible MCDA method. Criteria weights were changed: (1) individually evaluation range stability alternatives (score DHC performance); (2) fixed value how each criterion weight change affected average score result; (3) AHP weighting method an equal scenario. results sensitivity along with literature investigation shows that all methods are suitable analyses while also having differences calculation process interpretation results. generalized algorithm sector outlined this study documented features main can be used as guide future researchers industry professionals.