UN
To assess a sustainability proposal, ask what it means for people, the environment and economic opportunity. The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, treats the social, environmental and economic dimensions as integrated and indivisible. That framework offers a starting point for comparing local projects; it does not prove that an individual project delivers its promised benefits.
Three dimensions to assess together
Environmental Dimension
This dimension focuses on protecting the planet from degradation. It includes sustainable management of natural resources, reducing pollution, and taking urgent action on climate change. The goal is to ensure that the Earth can continue to support current and future generations.
Social Dimension
The social aspect aims to eradicate poverty and hunger in all forms and to promote dignity, equality, and health for all people. It emphasizes human rights, gender equality, and empowerment of vulnerable groups, ensuring no one is left behind.
Economic Dimension
Economic sustainability seeks to foster prosperous and fulfilling lives through inclusive economic growth, decent work, and technological progress. This growth must occur in harmony with nature, avoiding depletion of resources or harm to ecosystems.
Editorial Checklist for Evaluating Local Sustainability Projects
When assessing a proposed local project for sustainability, consider the following criteria based on the 2030 Agenda framework. This checklist is editorial advice to help compare projects and is not an official certification.
- Environmental Impact: Does the project minimize resource consumption and pollution? Does it promote renewable energy or sustainable resource use?
- Social Inclusion: Does the project address poverty or inequality? Does it empower marginalized groups and promote health and education?
- Economic Viability: Is the project designed to create decent jobs and support local economic growth without compromising environmental or social goals?
- Integration: Does the project balance environmental, social, and economic goals rather than focusing on one dimension alone?
- Long-Term Resilience: Does the project contribute to building resilience against climate change and social or economic shocks?
- Participation and Partnership: Are local communities and stakeholders involved in planning and implementation? Does the project foster collaboration?
Test a hypothetical community solar proposal
Imagine a proposed community solar garden serving a neighbourhood. This is a hypothetical example, with no operating results. Instead of assuming that the project is sustainable, use the following questions to examine the proposal:
- Environment: What baseline will the proposal use to compare resource use and emissions, and what evidence supports that comparison?
- People: Who can participate, how will costs and benefits be shared, and can renters or residents with limited incomes take part?
- Economic viability: Are installation, maintenance and operating costs documented, and what working conditions are proposed?
- Trade-offs: What alternatives were considered, and where might environmental, social or economic priorities conflict?
- Accountability: Who will record the agreed indicators, publish the results and review whether the original promises were met?
A sustainability label cannot replace those answers. If evidence is unavailable, record the gap rather than presenting an expected benefit as a measured result.
For a related perspective on community participation, read SDGTalking’s article on documenting local knowledge in Gabon.
Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
