Definition of indicators for decision-making to contribute to sustainable development through Cleaner Production and Resource Efficiency by using the AHP method

Abstract

Rapid growth within the industry sector creates an array of novel issues that have to be dealt with. Major problems as a consequence of continuous and quick development of industry are as follows: the need for high energy consumption (be it electric or thermal), the increase in the level of environmental pollution, and the treatment of waste. Countries in transition, characterized by “an industry in the making”, need to seriously consider the above-mentioned issues. The industry should be subject to professional analysis (the application of resource efficiency and cleaner production) in order to achieve an adequate use of resources. Furthermore, as a result of increased resource efficiency, the industry sector and enterprises will benefit. Greater effectiveness will undoubtedly encourage the use of cleaner production and the launch of the Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) application in the developing countries (such as the Kosovo case). This research focused on the promotion of sustainable development based on RECP in Kosovo. Based on RECP, analysis has been conducted with the help of the method of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making – Analytic Hierarchy Process for all levels of decision-making. The process is based on four main pillars of sustainable development: environmental, technical, economic, and social. Through RECP, there have been identified specific areas in need of improvement in order to achieve the level within the allowed norms of rational energy consumption, minimize environmental pollution and waste, and maximize the profits of the industry sector (enterprises), which, in turn, can lead to the creation of more jobs.