Application of a novel multi-criteria decision analysis approach for evaluating the sustainability of contaminated site management: an example from China
Application of a novel multi-criteria decision analysis approach for evaluating the sustainability of contaminated site management: an example from China
The performance of contaminated site management in terms of its sustainability can be inherently uncertain, considering that this performance depends not only on individual site characteristics and variability, but also on integrated (and potentially long-term) environmental, social, economic and technical impacts. The present study proposes a combination weights-based TOPSIS model (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), following a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, to quantitatively analyze the most influential measures and indices over the entire life cycle of contaminated site management (from site investigation to land reuse) in China. Results indicate that the sustainability performance of different sites varies widely due to differences in the best management practices (BMPs) implemented. Environmental dimensions in strategy design and remediation implementation processes contribute most to the overall sustainability performance when whole life-cycle management is considered, with social dimensions relatively under-emphasised. Based on a sensitivity analysis of the TOPSIS method, random variations of indices' weights did not result in significant alteration of the modelled sustainability performance of the evaluated sites, which indicates that the method provides a relatively robust approach. The MCDA approach developed enables stakeholders to adopt optimal BMPs for risk control and to enhance sustainability performance in contaminated site management, covering the whole life cycle of site remediation and redevelopment, although further work is required to determine its international applicability.
Combination weights, Contaminated sites, Multi-criteria decision analysis, Relationship matrix, Sustainable management
Li, Xiaonuo
05e8eb6d-45b7-49bd-8eae-2e1d5d1b4800
Yi, Shiyi
30938b88-6ef5-456e-bd21-8135a1e331a8
Chen, Weiping
932395b9-a198-453f-af8a-4e63f8505f8b
Cundy, Andrew B.
994fdc96-2dce-40f4-b74b-dc638286eb08
31 October 2023
Li, Xiaonuo
05e8eb6d-45b7-49bd-8eae-2e1d5d1b4800
Yi, Shiyi
30938b88-6ef5-456e-bd21-8135a1e331a8
Chen, Weiping
932395b9-a198-453f-af8a-4e63f8505f8b
Cundy, Andrew B.
994fdc96-2dce-40f4-b74b-dc638286eb08
Li, Xiaonuo, Yi, Shiyi, Chen, Weiping and Cundy, Andrew B.
(2023)
Application of a novel multi-criteria decision analysis approach for evaluating the sustainability of contaminated site management: an example from China.
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 104, [107327].
(doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2023.107327).
Abstract
The performance of contaminated site management in terms of its sustainability can be inherently uncertain, considering that this performance depends not only on individual site characteristics and variability, but also on integrated (and potentially long-term) environmental, social, economic and technical impacts. The present study proposes a combination weights-based TOPSIS model (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), following a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, to quantitatively analyze the most influential measures and indices over the entire life cycle of contaminated site management (from site investigation to land reuse) in China. Results indicate that the sustainability performance of different sites varies widely due to differences in the best management practices (BMPs) implemented. Environmental dimensions in strategy design and remediation implementation processes contribute most to the overall sustainability performance when whole life-cycle management is considered, with social dimensions relatively under-emphasised. Based on a sensitivity analysis of the TOPSIS method, random variations of indices' weights did not result in significant alteration of the modelled sustainability performance of the evaluated sites, which indicates that the method provides a relatively robust approach. The MCDA approach developed enables stakeholders to adopt optimal BMPs for risk control and to enhance sustainability performance in contaminated site management, covering the whole life cycle of site remediation and redevelopment, although further work is required to determine its international applicability.
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Accepted/In Press date: 10 October 2023
e-pub ahead of print date: 31 October 2023
Published date: 31 October 2023
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Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors
Keywords:
Combination weights, Contaminated sites, Multi-criteria decision analysis, Relationship matrix, Sustainable management
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 491404
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/491404
ISSN: 0195-9255
PURE UUID: ebeba043-ec63-4042-80b1-4b8d5da76a04
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Date deposited: 21 Jun 2024 16:50
Last modified: 22 Jun 2024 01:48
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Author:
Xiaonuo Li
Author:
Shiyi Yi
Author:
Weiping Chen
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