Fraser Basin Council Sustainability Indicators Program Discussing Targets

Fraser Basin Council Sustainability Indicators Program Discussing Targets and Benchmarks

Why Measure and Report on Sustainability? • To increase public awareness and understanding about sustainability • To identify critical issues and responses to improve progress • To inform and influence decisions and actions to advance sustainability

Using Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets • Varying definitions of indicators, benchmarks, thresholds, and targets • Benchmarks, thresholds and targets may be used to: – Put indicator trends in context – Make trends more meaningful / understandable

Using Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets • Examples of benchmarks, thresholds and targets – Scientific / technical basis (e. g. , toxic levels for specific pollutants - known health risks if pm 10 > 25 micrograms / cubic metre, mercury) – Policy basis (e. g. , diversion of 50% of waste from landfills, 10% increase in affordable housing units) – Comparative basis (e. g. , compare trends for different jurisdictions, or compare trends over time for a single jurisdictions - I. e. , getting better or worse over time) – Qualitative / subjective / intuitive basis (e. g. , based on the interpretation of the project proponent and/or advisors (usually visual icons used such as happy faces, traffic lights, other gauges, up & down arrows) – Combinations of above

Using Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets • Absolute sustainability versus relative sustainability – Do we know what level is sustainable? – Is there consensus or are there diverging perspectives? • Reference points and baseline information – – – Do policy targets exist? Are they relevant to the audience? Are data available for comparisons over time or geography? Are common targets appropriate for different regions? Are comparisons relevant and appropriate? • One common solution - Interim targets that move towards sustainability