Towards sustainability assessment follow-up

Abstract

a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f oThis paper conceptualises what sustainability assessment follow-up might entail for three models of sustainability assessment: EIA-driven integrated assessment, objectives-led integrated assessment and the contribution to sustainability model. The first two are characterised by proponent monitoring and evaluation of individual impacts and indicators while the latter takes a holistic view based around focused sustainability criteria relevant to the context. The implications of three sustainability challenges on follow-up are also examined: contested time horizons and value changes, trade-offs, and interdisciplinarity. We conclude that in order to meet these challenges some form of adaptive follow-up is necessary and that the contribution to sustainability approach is the best approach.

Towards the Development of an Integrated Sustainability and Resilience Benefits Assessment Framework of Urban Green Growth Interventions

“…It is imperative to define well what needs to be assessed and what would be included in the assessment. In most cases sustainability and resilience have been approached in isolation, and only a few studies the last few years have looked at their synergies, overlaps and complementarities [17,18,47]. As discussed also in the section of the literature review, there are sectoral approaches to urban sustainability covering only specific urban sectors, but also holistic approaches that aim to integrate the sustainability aspects of multiple sectors.…”

“…Based on academic literature and international experience in sustainability impact assessments [47][48][49][50][51] there are two main options to use as points of reference for measuring sustainability benefits:…”

Strategic Environmental Assessment practices in European small islands: Insights from Azores and Orkney islands

“…In this research, only the Portuguese mainland ERs presented listed different stakeholders and their responsibilities within the follow-up framework. These findings highlight the need to enhance SEA follow-up frameworks to go beyond what is currently done, to include further stakeholder engagement in this stage, and the need to take into account the different contexts of the SEA, as recommended by different authors (e.g., Morrison-Saunders et al, 2014;Nilsson et al, 2009). …”

Managing uncertainty, ambiguity and ignorance in impact assessment by embedding evolutionary resilience, participatory modelling and adaptive management

“…As such, we would propose that a form of adaptive follow-up, as set out in (Morrison-Saunders et al, 2014) is practiced whereby there is frequent reflection on the suitability of the current pathway, and examination of the validity of the scenarios adopted, and the policies implemented to achieve the agreed vision. Over time, understanding of the socio-ecological system is likely to improve and this will warrant reassessment of the adopted policies.…”