A Comparative Assessment of Sustainability Performance in the Romanian Energy Sector

This study compares the sustainability performance of major companies in the Romanian energy sector. To do this, it uses the Analytical Criteria Method within a framework that evaluates environmental, social, and economic aspects, following international sustainability standards. The research is based on secondary data from sustainability reports, public regulatory documents, and industry databases for the period 2018–2024. The Analytical Criteria Method was applied to assign weights and rank indicators, allowing a structured and comparable assessment of how companies implement sustainability practices.

The results show notable differences between companies in terms of environmental efficiency and social involvement. These variations indicate that sustainability progress in the sector is uneven and that certain areas require strategic improvements and policy support.

The main contribution of the study is demonstrating that the Analytical Criteria Method can serve as a useful decision-support tool for sustainability evaluation in a transition economy. By providing a structured comparative framework, the research offers both methodological value—through the use of a multi-criteria evaluation model—and practical insights for researchers, specialists, and industry stakeholders regarding performance gaps and strategic priorities in the Romanian energy sector.