Nikou, T and Klotz, L (2014) Application of multi-attribute utility theory for sustainable energy decisions in commercial buildings: A case study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 3(3), pp. 207-222. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – Despite substantial advances in technologies enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, they remain the largest consumers of energy in the USA compared with other sectors. In addition, the current rating systems for sustainable buildings do not reflect all potential energy savings during the design, construction, and occupancy of the built environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) as a framework for quantifying energy decisions made during the design phase of a building construction project. Design/methodology/approach – The MAUT method was applied to a case study, and the results were compared with subjective results from the decision makers. Analysis of the results suggested that MAUT is a decision analysis tool that could aid decision makers in communicating their decision criteria and expectations. Findings – Findings from this research suggest that using an analysis method provides the decision makers with a systematic way to include their concerns and preferences and specific requirements of the project along with the criteria for sustainable energy and the built environment at the same time. Using a multi-criteria, decision-making method provides the decision makers with quantitative information, which facilitates the comparison of alternatives. MAUT enabled the various stakeholders of the project to collaborate on the inputs of the problems and allowed the decision makers to communicate their priorities and expectations more effectively. Originality/value – The findings indicated that MAUT provides stakeholders with a quantitative and holistic approach to decision making in which they can track changes in parameters during the process. The implementation of MAUT as a decision analysis tool in designing construction projects ultimately could lead to better decision making for sustainable building designs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | USA; multi-attribute utility theory; sustainable decision making; sustainable energy; decision criteria |
| Index terms: | sustainable decision making, building construction, preference, construction project, sustainable building, sustainable building design, decision-making, commercial building, methodology, decision analysis, energy efficiency, multi-attribute utility theory, case study, sustainable energy, implementation, energy-saving, holistic approach, decision criteria, built environment, design phase |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, building construction, infrastructure and transport systems, decision-making and optimization, research methods, decision-making and reasoning, sustainability assessment, sustainable construction, production management, sustainability and energy, renewable energy, contractual arrangements, energy systems, professional practice, business, construction type, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Urban Studies, Risk Management, Construction Technology, Procurement, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Project Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here