Optimising criteria for achieving sustainable housing for industrial workers using a multi-criteria decision analysis approach : A case study of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Rapid industrialisation and urban expansion in India have led to an increasing demand for sustainable housing solutions for industrial workers. Noida, a key industrial hub in Uttar Pradesh in India, faces significant challenges in providing adequate, affordable and environmentally sustainable housing due to unplanned urban sprawl. Addressing these challenges requires a structured decision-making approach, as multiple interrelated factors — such as affordability, infrastructure, environmental impact and social well-being — make it difficult to interpret the best solutions without advanced analytical models. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), particularly the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), has been widely used in urban planning and policy development to optimise complex decision-making by prioritising stakeholder preferences. This study applies MCDA and AHP methodologies to evaluate and enhance sustainable housing for industrial workers in Noida. By conducting surveys and interviews with industrial workers, industrialists and government authorities, the research identifies key barriers to sustainable housing and prioritises solutions. The study identifies affordability (33.1 per cent) as the top priority, followed by housing quality (16.48 per cent) and community empowerment (8.17 per cent), while life cycle cost (3.03 per cent), energy efficiency (3.31 per cent) and disaster-resistant design (3.45 per cent) rank lowest. Key recommendations include adopting International Labour Organization (ILO) housing standards, implementing affordable rental policies, promoting sustainable retrofits, ensuring transparent governance, raising awareness and supporting job creation. The findings highlight the effectiveness of MCDA-based approaches in optimising housing policies and provide a replicable framework for decision-making in other industrial cities. This research offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers and industry stakeholders, contributing to sustainable urban development and improved living conditions for industrial workers. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.