LAUSR

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decision-making is increasingly critical for evaluating energy projects. This study develops a structured, quantifiable framework using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method to assess and rank ESG factors, addressing the limitations of traditional scoring-based models. The proposed methodology systematically identifies the most influential ESG criteria and accounts for their interdependencies, providing a more comprehensive decision-making tool. The analysis, based on expert evaluations, highlights the dominant role of renewable energy integration, resource efficiency, and risk management in determining project sustainability. The results demonstrate that the framework ensures a more transparent and adaptable assessment process, supporting both investors and policymakers in navigating complex energy investment landscapes. The study also establishes a scalable approach that can incorporate financial performance indicators, enhancing the practical applicability of ESG-based investment evaluation.