Integrated Value Method for Sustainability Evaluation (MIVES) is a deterministic method based on requirement trees, value functions, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. It allows integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability indicators in a global index. The value functions make it possible to consider non-linearity in the assessment. MIVES takes into account the relative weight of the various model indicators. Deterministic models can cause significant problems in terms of adequately managing project sustainability. A method not only has to estimate the sustainability index at the end of the project. It also has to evaluate the degree of uncertainty that may make it difficult to achieve the sustainability objective. Uncertainty can affect indicators, weights, and value function shapes. This chapter presents a method for sustainability assessment, taking into account uncertainty. It is based on MIVES and the Monte Carlo simulation technique. An example of potential application is proposed, related to power plants.
Abstract.It is necessary to change the current dynamic of growth, to assure that future generations can satisfy their needs. Sustainable development and global sustainability are two concepts that have achieved great importance in almost every sector of activity.There is a wide range of methods and models for sustainability assessment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to go beyond evaluation, looking for sustainability optimisation. In spite of this, little work has been done on the latter field. The authors present here a conceptual proposal for an integrated method to optimise sustainability of engineering systems, based on the MIVES method.For a better understanding of the method, its essential steps for optimising an energy sub-system are summarized (shell-and-tube heat exchanger).
The public is increasingly aware of the problems caused by unbridled development. More and more, governments, companies and other organisations are establishing sustainable development policies for making more likely that future generations can satisfy their own needs.A set of environmental, social, economic and technical-functional indicators are proposed and described here. These indicators are useful to create complete models for assessing the global sustainability of renewable and non-renewable power plants throughout their life cycles.This set of indicators can be useful for engineers, researchers and, in general, decision makers in the energy policy field. This is the first step to achieve more sustainable energy mixes.
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