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A Systemic Tool and Process for Sustainability Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Claude Villeneuve

    (Chaire en Éco-Conseil, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

  • David Tremblay

    (Chaire en Éco-Conseil, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

  • Olivier Riffon

    (Chaire en Éco-Conseil, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

  • Georges Y. Lanmafankpotin

    (Chaire en Éco-Conseil, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

  • Sylvie Bouchard

    (Chaire en Éco-Conseil, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

Abstract

Sustainability assessment is a growing concern worldwide with United Nations’ Agenda 2030 being implemented. As sustainability refers to the consideration of environmental, social and economic issues in light of cultural, historic—retrospective and prospective—and institutional perspectives, appropriate tools are needed to ensure the complete coverage of these aspects and allow the participation of multiple stakeholders. This article presents a scientifically robust and flexible tool, developed over the last 25 years and tested in different cultural and development contexts to build a framework for sustainability assessment of policies, strategies, programs and projects in light of Agenda 2030. A selected case study conducted on a major mining project in Québec (Canada) illustrates the Sustainable Development Analytical Grid performance for sustainability assessment. This tool and process is part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Acceleration Toolkit; it is one of the most adaptable, addresses all 17 SDGs and is fully accessible for free. Other advantages and limitations of the tool and process are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Claude Villeneuve & David Tremblay & Olivier Riffon & Georges Y. Lanmafankpotin & Sylvie Bouchard, 2017. "A Systemic Tool and Process for Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-29, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:10:p:1909-:d:116035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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