A systemic framework for sustainability assessment

This paper addresses the distinction between integrated assessment and sustainability assessment (SA), and, using a systemic approach, outlines how to move from integrated assessment to SA. The fundamental differences may be identified at three levels: ontological, methodological and epistemological. We present a novel methodological framework for SA, based on a literature meta-review of multi-scale and multi-purpose appraisal methodologies and related methods, models, and indicators. SA is considered as a structured procedure encompassing different field-specific analytical methods and models, depending on the specific application and decision context. External inputs to the methodology are the “values” to be considered in the analysis and the (political) boundaries defined for them, including also the sustainability framework in which the analysis is carried out . Internal elements of the methodology comprise the choice of the approach (e.g. “what-if” vs. “what-to”), the scenario settings and the possible analytical tools and indicators for the numerical analysis. Uncertainty quantification tools are then key elements of the assessment framework. We discuss the relevance of and challenges for the development of SA, with a specific focus on applicability in specific decision contexts, highlighted.

SALA Serenella;  CIUFFO Biagio;  NIJKAMP Peter; 

2015-11-12

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

JRC80231

0921-8009,   

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800915003821,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC80231,   

10.1016/j.ecolecon.2015.09.015,