Sustainability Comparison Framework with Reduced Subjective Bias and Application to Two Odor Control Systems

When considering alternatives in preliminary design, there are challenges in quantifying sustainability and reducing subjectivity. A ten step multi-criteria decision making framework is presented for quantifying sustainability. To reduce subjective bias, an Analytic Hierarchy Process is recommended to determine the weight factors. The developed framework is applied to an activated carbon system and a biofilter bed system for odor control. Results indicate the two systems have similar overall sustainability scores which are sensitive to the chosen indicators and weight factors.