Bridging the gaps between theory and practice: a service niche approach to urban sustainability indicators

James Keirstead and Matt Leach
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James Keirstead: Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College London, London, UK, Postal: Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College London, London, UK
Matt Leach: Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK, Postal: Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK

Sustainable Development, 2008, vol. 16, issue 5, 329-340

Abstract: Urban sustainability indicators play an important role in helping policy-makers ensure the continued success of their cities. However, a review of current practice suggests that priority is often given to the measurability and policy relevance of these metrics. Their analytical validity - i.e. their ability to act as meaningful representations of the urban system and thus inform appropriate policy responses - is less certain. An examination of London's USIs confirms this gap between theory and practice and identifies vague definitions of urban sustainability as part of the problem. A 'service niche' approach to indicator selection is therefore outlined, using pervasive goal-oriented urban services such as energy or water systems to guide the selection of policy-relevant interconnected metrics. Strategies for expanding such niches to wider assessments of urban sustainability are also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Date: 2008
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:16:y:2008:i:5:p:329-340

DOI: 10.1002/sd.349

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