A multi-criteria decision-making approach for selecting unburnt materials in green building projects

Using environmentally friendly materials is essential for advancing green construction. In Vietnam, regulations mandate the use of unburnt materials; however, their application faces resistance due to persistent concerns over durability issues such as cracking and seepage. This study aims to develop a selection model to evaluate two types of materials: unburnt materials and burnt materials, based on four criteria, including quality, trademark, price, and technique. These criteria were assessed by experts with extensive experience in the field, using a nine-point Saaty scale where 1 represented equality and 9 indicated extreme superiority (or inferiority) between criteria. The principal analytical tool was the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). The results showed that quality and technique were the two most important factors. Burnt materials emerged as the preferred option, with a rating of 57.7%, compared to 42.3% for unburnt materials. The contribution of this study lies in applying FAHP to the context of Vietnam’s green construction policy, offering an evidence-based approach to understanding why unburnt materials remain less competitive despite regulatory support. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers seeking to refine material standards, investors aiming to balance cost with performance, and designers striving to integrate sustainable materials without compromising construction quality.