Evaluation of Sick Building Syndrome With Fuzzy COPRAS: A Multi-Criteria Approach for Ranking Alternatives to Mitigate Symptoms

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) refers to symptoms that building occupants can experience due to poor indoor environmental quality, such as respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms are often associated with factors such as inadequate ventilation, insufficient humidity and temperature control, and contaminants in the air. The complexity of SBS requires advanced decision-making approaches, especially in scenarios involving multiple criteria evaluation. This article proposes applying the fuzzy COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment) method as a robust tool for deepening knowledge about SBS in built environments to mitigate its effects. The fuzzy methodology makes it possible to deal effectively with uncertainties and subjectivity, characterizing the weights of design resources and sub-resources in linguistic terms generated from triangular fuzzy numbers. Five alternatives and six factors related to indoor air quality, promoting occupant well-being, humidity and temperature control, advanced ventilation systems, and the implementation of indoor green spaces were evaluated. The COPRAS fuzzy model made it possible to rank these alternatives according to their relative effectiveness in mitigating SBS. The results indicate that internal green spaces and chemical and materials management policy are priorities, highlighting the importance of careful planning in choosing the most appropriate solutions to improve the health and well-being of building occupants.