The Happiness Index is a comprehensive survey instrument that assesses happiness, well-being, and aspects of sustainability and resilience. The Happiness Alliance developed the Happiness Index to provide a survey instrument to community organizers, researchers, and others seeking to use a subjective well-being index and data. It is the only instrument of its kind freely available worldwide and translated into over ten languages. This instrument can be used to measure satisfaction with life and the conditions of life. It can also be used to define income inequality, trust in government, sense of community and other aspects of well-being within specific demographics of a population. This manuscript documents the development the Happiness Index between 2011 and 2015, and includes suggestions for implementation.

Over the past century, sustainability scholars and scientists have largely focused on the complex relationships between society, economy, and environment. The authors refer to this approach as external sustainability research, which positions the built and natural environment as key to a sustainable future. Yet, our external environment is a manifestation of deeply held beliefs, values, attitudes, and perceptions of the world—the inner dimensions of sustainability. Within sustainability science, a deeper understanding of the inner dimensions could promote lasting external sustainability measures, strategies, and interventions. This chapter envisions sustainability as a holistic collection of internal and external guiding principles that can be enhanced through practice. First, the authors draw on perspectives from “Western sustainability” and Indigenous philosophies. Next, case studies integrating holistic sustainability approaches are shared. They conclude by integrating the primary literature with the case studies and call on sustainability science to more deeply consider the inner dimensions.