Entropy-based fuzzy TOPSIS framework for selection of a sustainable building material

Selecting the best material among a pool of alternatives to achieve sustainability is a crucial exercise involving subjectivity. Choosing an alternative considering multiple conflicting criteria involved with multiple decision makers is Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem. The present study utilizes the concept of Shannon's Entropy in evaluating the objective weight of the criteria, while the subjective weight involved with vagueness and uncertainty is resolved using linguistic variables assigned with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. The purpose of the study is to integrate the objective and subjective weights of criteria in choosing the best material alternative and to prioritize using Fuzzy TOPSIS. To understand the proposed approach and demonstrate the results of the problem applicability, the study has identified 10 influencing criteria for selection of a binder material alternative. From the findings, it was observed that the criteria 'Practicability& Flexibility', 'Global warming Potential' and 'Resource consumption' were mainly influencing the material selection. Among the five alternatives selected for the study, flyash based PPC has achieved better sustainable performance.