Towards a European sustainability footprint framework : theory, concepts, applications

Sustainability is central to the policy objectives of the European Commission, but an integrated sustainability assessment framework in support of policy analysis and development is currently lacking. Arriving at an integrated sustainability assessment framework requires clearly articulated definitions of sustainability and sustainable development. The European Sustainability Footprint is proposed as an integrated sustainability assessment framework for establishing a baseline and tracking trends with respect to the sustainability of European production and consumption, as well as scenario modelling the impacts of policy alternatives. The European Sustainability Footprint is comprised of a selection of life-cycle based sustainability indicators (environmental, social, economic and institutional), which can be assessed against defined targets and sustainability thresholds.