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Advancing the WEFE Nexus Approach with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Standardization Refinements

Author

Listed:
  • Dejan Vasović

    (Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Niš, Čarnojevića 10a, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

  • Žarko Vranjanac

    (Innovation Center, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

  • Tamara Radjenović

    (Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Niš, Čarnojevića 10a, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

  • Snežana Živković

    (Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Niš, Čarnojevića 10a, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

  • Goran Janaćković

    (Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Niš, Čarnojevića 10a, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

Abstract

Water, energy, food, and ecosystem (WEFE) components constitute fundamental dimensions contributing to human well-being, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. Despite the prevalent specialization among WEFE professionals, there is a lack of multidisciplinary approaches in their work, with limited attention given to carbon footprint management. Against this backdrop, this study aims to explore the potential role of standardization and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in implementing the WEFE approach within the food sector. The research entails a comprehensive examination of the International Standard Organization (ISO) 22000 certifications in Balkan countries, coupled with an analysis of the ISO 14067 standard and its alignment with food safety requirements. Finally, this study proposes a novel MCDA framework for integrating food safety considerations with criteria, factors, and indicators aimed at addressing both food safety and carbon footprint management. A hierarchical structure composed of influential criteria and factors was used to rank activities in sustainable, preferably carbon-neutral food production. Group decision making was applied in the fuzzy domain using triangular numbers, and the influence of experts was determined based on their experience. Practical recommendations aimed at managing trade-offs between the requirements of two elaborated standards are provided, emphasizing key environmental, societal, and economic insights to identify critical indicators for addressing biases in food safety and carbon footprint management.

Suggested Citation

  • Dejan Vasović & Žarko Vranjanac & Tamara Radjenović & Snežana Živković & Goran Janaćković, 2025. "Advancing the WEFE Nexus Approach with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Standardization Refinements," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2220-:d:1604973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anik Bhaduri & Claudia Ringler & Ines Dombrowski & Rabi Mohtar & Waltina Scheumann, 2015. "Sustainability in the water-energy-food nexus," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(5-6), pages 723-732, September.
    2. Cuimei Lv & Yuguang Hu & Minhua Ling & Aojie Luo & Denghua Yan, 2024. "Comprehensive evaluation and obstacle factors of coordinated development of regional water–ecology–energy–food nexus," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(8), pages 20001-20025, August.
    3. Ali Shehadeh & Odey Alshboul & Mai Arar, 2024. "Enhancing Urban Sustainability and Resilience: Employing Digital Twin Technologies for Integrated WEFE Nexus Management to Achieve SDGs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-28, August.
    4. Chrysaida-Aliki Papadopoulou & Maria P. Papadopoulou & Chrysi Laspidou, 2022. "Implementing Water-Energy-Land-Food-Climate Nexus Approach to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Greece: Indicators and Policy Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, March.
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