3.4 Sustainability Metrics

This section of the book discusses how we can begin to measure the sustainability of an energy project through a variety of measurements and compiled in the form of composite indicators. Sustainability indicators are used to determine if a project or system is heading in the direction of being sustainable. Below are some self-assessment questions you can use to check your understanding of these readings.

Sustainability Indicators

Check Your Understanding

Question: What are the 'general sustainability indicators' intended to represent?

Click for answer.

Answer: Overall health of the various sub-systems, such as environmental, economic, and social systems in various regions.

Question: How are 'stock' and 'flow' indicators related?

Click for answer.

Answer: Flow indicators describe the changing rates of stock. Stock assessments help to evaluate changes in flows.

Choosing Among Indicators

Check Your Understanding

Question: What would you consider to be among the top three indicators of personal consumption that have an impact on sustainability?

Click for answer.

Answer: energy use; carbon/ecological footprint; dietary habits; choice of transportation; lifestyle/job; family size.

Principles

Check Your Understanding

Question: What are the biggest barriers at present to achieving sustainability?

Click for answer.

Answer: 1) Lack of political will. 2) Market forces. 3) Overcoming inertia.