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Introduction
Sustainability assessment is a process that assists decision-makers to determine which actions to take or not with the goal of sustainability in mind (Bond et al., 2012; Ness et al., 2007). It contributes to different forms of decision-making, including programmes, policies or even an unstructured policy problem (Bond et al., 2012; Pope et al., 2016). The ways in which integrated sustainability assessment differs from the traditional cost-benefit analysis and a more recent approach of social return on investment will be explained in session 1.
Sustainability assessment encompasses a range of impact assessment practices which can be used to predict future outcomes (“ex-ante”), or to assess the effects triggered by an intervention (“ex-post”) (Waas et al., 2014). The focus here is on the latter – the basics of evaluating the effects of a sustainability programme. “Ex-post” assessments facilitate individuals and organisations to communicate the impact of sustainability actions and enables smarter programme design and implementation in the future.
An objective-led approach is adopted in project impact assessment where the project aims to maximise positive outcomes towards sustainability. This differs from Environmental Impact Assessment, for example, which adopts a baseline-driven approach, aiming to minimise negative impacts towards the environment (Pope et al., 2016). There is increasing recognition that minimising negative effects is no longer sufficient and positive steps are needed on all fronts to make any lasting impact towards sustainability (Gibson 2006b).
By adopting an objective-led approach, the first major task would be defining the selected objective. In this case, that means defining sustainability, which will be the focus of session 2. The sessions following that will take readers through key stages of the evaluation process.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this e-case, readers should be able to:
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Comprehend the key distinguishing features between an integrated sustainability assessment, cost benefit analysis and social return on investment
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Demonstrate a basic understanding of the process involved in assessing the impact of a sustainability project
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Acknowledge common issues and challenges when evaluating the impact of sustainability projects
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Develop a foundational ability to critique sustainability impact assessment frameworks
Resources
Bond, A., Morrison-Saunders, A., & Pope, J. (2012). Sustainability assessment: the state of the art. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 30(1), 53-62.
Gibson, R. B. (2006). Beyond The Pillars: Sustainability Assessment As A Framework For Effective Integration Of Social, Economic And Ecological Considerations In Significant Decision-Making. Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), 8(03), 259-280.
Ness, Barry, Evelin Urbel-Piirsalu, Stefan Anderberg, and Lennart Olsson. (2007). 'Categorising tools for sustainability assessment', Ecological Economics, 60: 498-508.
Pope, J., Bond, A., Huge, J., & Morrison-Saunders, A. (2017). Reconceptualising sustainability assessment. Environmental impact assessment review, 62, 205-215.
Waas, T., Hugé, J., Block, T., Wright, T., Benitez-Capistros, F., & Verbruggen, A. (2014). Sustainability assessment and indicators: Tools in a decision-making strategy for sustainable development. Sustainability, 6(9), 5512-5534.