An application of AHP: case of BEE-NABL accredited check testing laboratories under standards and labeling program in India.

• Author: Soni, Vivek

1. INTRODUCTION

   The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a decision-aiding method developed by T.L. Saaty (Saaty, 1980, 1990; Saaty and Kearns, 1991). It aims at quantifying relative priorities for a given set of alternatives on a ratio scale, based on the judgment of the decision-maker, and stress the importance of the intuitive judgments of a decision-maker as well as the consistency of the comparison of alternatives in the decision-making process. The strength of this approach is that it organizes tangible and intangible criteria(s) in a systematic way, and provides a structured yet relatively simple solution to the decision making problems. The objective of the paper is to introduce the application of AHP in the standards and labeling (S&L) Programme involving the check testing. This paper briefly review the origin and frame work of S&L Programme, adopted energy standards, involved check testing laboratories and demonstrate AHP application on criteria (s) affecting the performance of the check test laboratories.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

   Energy efficiency standards and labels for appliances, equipments, and lighting products are an especially cost-effective policy for conserving energy. They fit well with most other energy policies and can play a role as the backbone of all countries' energy policy portfolios. These labels can force a shift to energy efficient technology and dramatically improve national energy efficiency. Energy-standards are procedures and regulations that prescribe limits on the energy consumption (or minimum levels of the energy efficiency) of manufactured products. These measurements are based on prescribed test procedures that ensure accurate and consistent estimates of the energy performance. A significant benefit of energy labeling includes:

   1. Reducing capital investment in energy supply infrastructure

   2. Enhancing national economic efficiency by reducing energy bills

   3. Enhancing consumer welfare, they provide consumers with data on how to make informed choices and encourage selection of the most efficient and suitable product available

   4. Strengthening competitive markets

   5. Meeting climate change goals and

   6. Averting urban/regional pollution

      2.1 Standards and Labeling Programme: An overview

      The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) is an international nonprofit organization that works to reduce the environmental impacts of energy-using products as the primary resource for appliance energy efficiency standards and labeling (S&L) worldwide. CLASP's projects result in major improvements in the energy efficiency of appliances, lighting, and equipment; enhanced institutional capacity to develop energy efficiency S&L policies and programs at local, regional, and international levels; considerable reductions in electricity consumption; and significant abatement of greenhouse gas emissions. CLASP has provided S&L technical assistance with national implementation to over 50 countries. Since 1999, CLASP has assisted with the implementation of 24 standards and/or labels. These efforts alone will save over 115 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity and 30 mega tones of C[O.sub.2] (MtC[O.sub.2]) annually by 2020 and have avoided the construction of the equivalent of 38,750-MW coal-fired power plants. For the past decade, CLASP has supported the development and implementation of appliance standards and labeling programs in India through the provision of technical assistance to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). With ongoing support from CLASP, BEE's S&L program resulted in electricity savings of 4,350 million kWh, equivalent to 2,179 MW of avoided capacity generation, in the year 2009-2010 alone.(Source:www.clasponline.org)

      Keeping in mind the objectives set under the international negotiations to Climate Change, India has launched, the National Action Plan on Climate Change in June 2008, which outlines eight mission including National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE). The role of NMEEE is to motivate the energy efficient appliances in designated sectors through innovative measures by making the eco friendly products. The NMEEE initiative includes the vital activities of S&L Programme. In the year 2002, the Government of India passed an...