Application of sensitivity analysis for assessment of energy and environmental alternatives in the manufacture by using analytic hierarchy process

Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) was used to make comparative analysis of projects or heterogeneous measures for prioritization criteria and subcriteria simultaneously in a complex situation. The aim of this paper is to determine the alternatives and the sensitivity of main factors affecting water and energy consumption as well as environmental impact in a recycled paper manufacturing by using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The AHP enables one to consider all the elements of decision process in a model, and to compare criteria and subcriteria of the model to find the best alternative. The AHP technique is applied through specific software package with user-friendly interfaces called Expert Choice. The results indicated that reduction of water consumption is the most important alternative for sustainable development in a recycled paper mill in Iran. Also, good housekeeping is the most sensitive criterion affecting the alternatives. The paper illustrates how the AHP method can help industrial management to overcome the energy usage and environmental impact in the manufacture.