Author Description

The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of designing and implementing meaningful and robust indicators for three of the elements of eco-efficiency: energy intensity, materials intensity, and pollution dispersion. The study approached the design of indicators in a flexible manner by selecting a few minimum indicators and including some complementary ones where more complete information was required. Testing & evaluation of the indicators focused on their technical feasibility, such as the required degree of precision & availability of data, clarity of decision rules, definitions, & compilation procedures, and on interpretation issues or the meaning that may be ascribed to the indicators by users. Practical issues related to the indicators are discussed and future directions for developing useful indicators are set out. The appendix includes a description of the original proposals for toxic release indicators and the issues considered in developing & evaluating these proposals.