Multi-Criteria Sustainability Analysis for Variable Refrigerant Flow System Manufacturer Selection: An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach to Environmental and Technical Performance

Turhan Karakaya, Hamit Metin Örnek and Yavuz Selim Balcıoğlu ()
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Turhan Karakaya: Industrial Engineering Department, Doğuş University, İstanbul 34775, Turkey
Hamit Metin Örnek: Engineering Management Department, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul 34353, Turkey
Yavuz Selim Balcıoğlu: Department of Management Information Systems, Faculty of Business Administration, Dogus University, Dudullu OSB Umraniye, İstanbul 34775, Turkey

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-29

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive framework for the sustainable selection of manufacturers in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems by integrating environmental impact considerations with traditional technical and economic criteria using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. This research addresses the growing need for sustainable HVAC solutions while acknowledging the complexity decision-makers face when evaluating multiple manufacturers across environmental, technical, and economic dimensions. Unlike previous studies that focus solely on technical performance or evaluate brands individually, this research introduces a novel approach by grouping manufacturers according to their country of origin (Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, Italy, and France) and assessing them through a sustainability lens. This study employs a three-tier methodology: first, utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine criteria weights with particular emphasis on environmental factors; second, developing a consensus decision matrix through expert evaluations; and third, applying VIKOR and EDAS methods for comprehensive ranking. The analysis encompasses environmental criteria, including energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and refrigerant global warming potential, alongside traditional technical, marketing, financial, and network considerations. The results indicate that while Japanese manufacturers maintain strong technical leadership, European manufacturers, particularly German ones, demonstrate superior environmental performance. These findings suggest that manufacturers can enhance their market position by balancing environmental sustainability with traditional performance metrics, particularly through improved energy efficiency, sustainable refrigerant selection, and circular economy practices. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable manufacturer selection in the HVAC industry and provides practical guidelines for decision-makers prioritizing environmental sustainability alongside technical performance.

Keywords: sustainable HVAC systems; environmental impact assessment; AHP; VIKOR; EDAS; variable refrigerant flow; green manufacturing; energy efficiency; multi-criteria decision-making; sustainability analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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