Potentialities and limitations of sustainability measurement instruments

ABSTRACT Sustainability measurement has been a recurrent theme concerning environmental debates. This article deals with the capabilities and restrictions of sustainability measurement tools (SMT) using technical literature review and field research with experts. The results show consensus amongst expert’s positions and those found in the technical literature about both the importance level of the sustainability measurement tools implementation results and the capabilities and restrictions of these tools. The ecological footprint is regarded here as the most significant to the environmental dimension. The barometer of sustainability is regarded here as the most significant to the social dimension, and PER is regarded here as the most important to the economical dimension. Results also show that all researched capabilities are regarded here as relevant to SMT. By the application of sustainability measurement, SMT contribute to the environmental protection and sustainable development, raising managers’ and society’s awareness and providing sustainability improvements. SMT limitations enhance the obstacles for a tool to reflect the holistic nature of sustainability in its all extent.

摘要：可持续性度量始终是环境领域辩论中反复被探讨的核心议题。本文采用技术文献综述与专家实地调研的方法，探讨可持续性度量工具（Sustainability Measurement Tools，简称SMT）的能力与局限性。研究结果显示，专家观点与技术文献中的相关结论在两方面达成共识：一是可持续性度量工具落地成果的重要性程度，二是该类工具的能力与局限性。在环境维度中，生态足迹（Ecological Footprint）被视为最具重要性的度量工具；在社会维度中，可持续性晴雨表被认为是最具重要性的工具；而在经济维度中，市盈率（Price-Earnings Ratio，PER）则是最为关键的度量工具。研究结果同时表明，本次调研覆盖的所有能力维度均被认为与SMT密切相关。通过可持续性度量的应用，SMT能够助力环境保护与可持续发展，提升管理者与社会公众的认知水平，并为可持续性优化提供支撑。SMT的局限性则加剧了工具全面反映可持续性整体内涵时所面临的障碍。