Comparative Sustainability Efficiency of G7 and BRICS Economies: A DNMEREC-DNMARCOS Approach

Abstract

Sustainability assessment has emerged as a critical research area given the pressing challenges of balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. This study aims to develop an objective and reproducible framework to evaluate sustainability efficiency across countries by integrating multiple development dimensions into a unified decision model. Despite substantial prior research, inconsistencies often arise due to data heterogeneity and conflicting criteria. To address this gap, a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework was developed by combining the Double Normalization Method based on Removal Effects of Criteria (DNMEREC) for objective weighting and the Double Normalization Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (DNMARCOS) method for ranking alternatives. This integration ensures balanced consideration of beneficial and non-beneficial criteria while minimizing subjectivity. The model was empirically validated through a comparative assessment of G7 and BRICS countries using twelve sustainability indicators covering economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Results show significant variations in sustainability efficiency, with G7 countries generally demonstrating higher overall performance, while BRICS nations exhibit strong growth potential but face environmental and structural constraints. These findings confirm the robustness of the DNMEREC-DNMARCOS framework and highlight its adaptability to complex, multidimensional datasets. The study contributes a transparent methodological tool for researchers and policymakers seeking evidence-based strategies to enhance global sustainability performance and bridge development gaps.