Use of multi-criteria decision analysis to explore alternative domestic energy and electricity policy scenarios in an Irish city-region

In this paper, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was used to assess 6 policy measures or scenarios relating to residential heating energy and domestic electricity consumption, using an Irish city-region as case study. The analysis was undertaken using a modified version of MCDA based on the NAIADE (Novel Approach to Imprecise Assessment and Decision Environments) software and involved a decision output based on a mix of qualitative and quantitative assessment, which offered a ranking of options. It was concluded that Scenario 2, which proposes reducing energy and electricity consumption, was the most preferable option and Scenario 3, which proposes increasing the contribution of wood waste, was the least preferable option. This suggests that absolute reduction and demand management should be prioritised over fuel substitution or renewable energy technologies. MCDA was also compared with ecological footprint (EF) analysis for the same set of scenarios and it was found that both metrics show that Scenario 2 is preferable. However, MCDA shows that Scenario 3 is the least preferable scenario, whereas EF analysis suggests that Scenario 4 is, i.e. increased contribution of short rotation coppice (SRC). This suggests that a mix of assessment tools/indicators should be used when attempting to identify the most justifiable policy options as different indicators reflect different policy aspects.