The hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS) is an effective tool to express the experts' subjective evaluations in the processes of decision making. To solve the problem with both qualitative and quantitative criteria in the context of HFLTSs and the crisp weights of criteria being unknown, this paper proposes a new multi-criteria decision making method. Firstly, some formulas are developed to convert the quantitative data into the hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements. Then, motivated by the ORESTE method, we develop a new global preference score function to aggregate the criterion weights and criterion values, both of which are expressed as hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements. To get the real relation between alternatives, three preference intensity formulas are proposed and a hesitant fuzzy linguistic indifference threshold is introduced. In what follows, we establish a conflict test framework after a detailed research on the threshold values. On these bases, a new hesitant fuzzy linguistic ORESTE method is developed and the calculation process of this method is described. Furthermore, a case study on supplier selection is given to illustrate the method. Finally, some comparative analyses with other methods are conducted to show the practicability and reliability of the proposed method.

Purpose: This paper aims to build a scientific evaluation index system for regional low-carbon circular economic development. Taking Sichuan Province as the empirical research object, the paper evaluates its low-carbon circular economy (LCCE) development level and proposes policy recommendations for climate change improvement based on the evaluation results. Design/methodology/approach: This paper, first, built an evaluation index system with 30 indicators within six subsystems, namely, economic development, social progress, energy consumption, low-carbon emissions, carbon sink capacity and environmental carrying capacity. Second, develop an “entropy weight-grey correlation” evaluation method. Finally, from a practical point of view, measure the development level of LCCE in Sichuan Province, China, from 2008 to 2018. Findings: It was found that Sichuan LCCE development had a general downward trend from 2008 to 2012 and a steady upward trend from 2012 to 2018; however, the overall level was low. The main factors affecting the LCCE development are lagging energy consumption and environmental carrying capacity subsystem developments. Research limitations/implications: This paper puts forward relevant suggestions for improving the development of a low-carbon economy and climate change for the reference of policymakers. Originality/value: This paper built an evaluation index system with 30 indicators for regional low carbon circular economic development. The evaluation method of “entropy weight-grey correlation” is used to measure the development level of regional LCCE in Sichuan Province, China.

According to the implementation of a scientific development perspective, sustainable development needs to consider regional development, economic and social development, and the harmonious development of society and nature, but regional sustainable development is often difficult to quantify. Through an analysis of the structure and functions of a regional system, this paper establishes an evaluation index system, which includes an economic subsystem, an ecological environmental subsystem and a social subsystem, to study regional sustainable development capacity. A sustainable development capacity measure model for Sichuan Province was established by applying the information entropy calculation principle and the Brusselator principle. Each subsystem and entropy change in a calendar year in Sichuan Province were analyzed to evaluate Sichuan Province’s sustainable development capacity. It was found that the established model could effectively show actual changes in sustainable development levels through the entropy change reaction system, at the same time this model could clearly demonstrate how those forty-six indicators from the three subsystems impact on the regional sustainable development, which could make up for the lack of sustainable development research.

Hazardous waste can cause severe environmental pollution if not disposed of properly, which in turn can seriously affect the sustainable development of the entire ecology and will inevitably bring disaster to companies. However, because of limited available disposal capacity, it is often difficult to safely dispose of hazardous waste, meaning that it must be kept as passive inventory. For the passive inventory of hazardous waste, risk evaluation of safe operation of the inventory is crucial and urgently needs to be resolved. Based on this, this paper focuses on the risk management of hazardous waste inventory of waste-producing companies and proposes a risk evaluation system for safely dealing with hazardous waste inventory, which expands the scope of inventory safety management and provides guidance to companies on developing appropriate measures to ensure hazardous waste inventory safety. First, the risk evaluation index system for hazardous waste inventory is constructed from equipment, management level, nature of hazardous waste and operational aspects. Then, the best worst method (BWM) is employed to calculate the criteria weights and the technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is employed to rank the alternatives. Finally, risk evaluation on four waste-producing companies was conducted using the developed method. The results show that Case Company 4 has the greatest risk of hazardous waste inventory, which should be reduced by improving storage method and the amount of hazardous waste. It was found that the proposed evaluation system was effective for hazardous waste inventory safety risk assessments and that the designed index system could assist companies improve their hazardous waste inventory management.