Multi-criteria decision-making method for assessing the sustainability of post-disaster temporary housing units technologies: A case study in Bam, 2003

• A new sustainability assessment model specifically configured to analyse THUs.
• This considers the most relevant indicators, based on quick and easy localization.
• Study case on temporary housing units for post-earthquake disaster in Bam.
• The local alternative, concrete masonry unit, is the most sustainable one.

Temporary housing units (THUs) have been used for displaced population (DP) in the aftermath of natural disasters to serve as an alternative residence while the permanent housing process is completed. A THU is often provided as a prefabricated system, which has been criticized due to the economic, environmental, and social aspects of THUs. However, this model has been widely used in previous recovery programs. Additionally, it should be highlighted that the lack of potential of certain areas persuades decision-makers to implement the THUs. This paper presents a new model for choosing optimized THUs based on the sustainability concept. This model supports decision-makers in selecting a more adequate type of THU, to reduce the negative impact of temporary housing (TH) when there is no other possibility.The Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (MIVES), a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model that includes the value function concept, is used to evaluate the sustainability value of each THU alternative.THU technologies that had been suggested for the Bam earthquake recovery program by a semi-public organization have been analysed by this method to achieve two aims: (1) to determine the most sustainable technology to use and (2) to test the designed model.