Application of a novel multi-criteria decision analysis approach for evaluating the sustainability of contaminated site management: An example from China

The performance of contaminated site management in terms of its sustainability can be inherently uncertain, considering that this performance depends not only on individual site characteristics and variability, but also on integrated (and potentially long-term) environmental, social, economic and technical impacts. The present study proposes a combination weights-based TOPSIS model (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), following a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, to quantitatively analyze the most influential measures and indices over the entire life cycle of contaminated site management (from site investigation to land reuse) in China. Results indicate that the sustainability performance of different sites varies widely due to differences in the best management practices (BMPs) implemented. Environmental dimensions in strategy design and remediation implementation processes contribute most to the overall sustainability performance when whole life-cycle management is considered, with social dimensions relatively under-emphasised. Based on a sensitivity analysis of the TOPSIS method, random variations of indices' weights did not result in significant alteration of the modelled sustainability performance of the evaluated sites, which indicates that the method provides a relatively robust approach. The MCDA approach developed enables stakeholders to adopt optimal BMPs for risk control and to enhance sustainability performance in contaminated site management, covering the whole life cycle of site remediation and redevelopment, although further work is required to determine its international applicability. •A novel (lifecycle-based) MCDA framework for sustainability evaluation is presented.•Sensitivity analysis is conducted to show accuracy of the improved TOPSIS approach.•Factors in multi-dimensions jointly influence sustainability of site management.•Recommendations to enable more effective decision making are proposed.•Challenges remain in extending application of the proposed method beyond China.