Rowshanzamir - Green Research Center, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O.
Jadid - Green Research Center, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O.
Eikani - Chemical Industries Research Center, Iranian Research Organization for Science & Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran

Energy is considered to be a key player in the generation of wealth and also a significant component in the economic development. To ensure energy to meet needs for economic growth and sustainable development more emphasis should be given to energy efficiency for both end-use and supply. An effective energy policy in any country should encourage the different enterprises, utilities, and individuals to employ energy efficient processes, technologies, and materials. Energy is produced and consumed with low levels of efficiency in Iran. One of the most important reasons is the absence of mandated energy performance codes and standards. Thus, standardization and labeling are policy towards energy efficiency. This paper presents an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based modeling framework for the prioritization of energy standard research projects in Iran. Nine energy sub-sectors are used with hierarchical tree structures. The rank of consumption sub-sector was the first in the order of priority (26%). The research provided a comprehensive framework for performing the prioritization in a scientific and systematic manner. The use of multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA) techniques has a long history in energy projects. One of the major advantages of the use of the AHP approach is that breaks a large problem into smaller ones which enables the decision-maker (DM) to have a better concentration and to make more sound decision. The presented methodology of the research might be beneficial to DMs in other countries.

Prioritization, Energy Standards, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Multi-Criteria Decision Aid Technique