Delphi Round 2 Responses (Indicators)

Response 1

  • This is a good start for a definition.
  • In my agency, and I think in many parts of the government these are more commonly called Ametrics@. If Ametrics@ is more generally used and understood, we should use that term - the group can tell you this.
  • Indicators should also be developed with as much consistencies as possible among various elements being assessed. This will facilitate valid comparisons of differing elements.

E.g., where possible, the time frame over which an indicator is being developed should be consistent - e.g., by the year 2005 (or 2010, 2015, etc.).

When converted into $=s, the $=s must be consistent - e.g., $1999.

Underlying assumptions affecting the development of the indicators must be consistent. E.g., assumptions about the expected mix of energy use, or economic activity, must be consistent among the various groups developing the indicators.

Response 2

This piece seems purely theoretical (maybe I am just not knowledgeable

enough about the subject) and it is hard for me to relate it to the

practical task at hand. But the description is useful for bringing up

several questions that we have yet to answer:

* How do we quantify the themes contained in the definition of

sustainability we are building? Do they need to be quantified?

* What measures can we use to describe the ideas we are generating

here, and what data are available?

* Who is our intended audience?

* What national, and global, goals are we trying to achieve?

* What story are we trying to tell?

Response 4

Description of Indicators: A good beginning. Suggest adding discussion of the work by the PCSD (vision, general goals, etc.) and discussion of U.S. draft framework from the recent report "Sus. Development in the U.S., An Experimental Set of Indicators - see www.sdi.gov.

Response 5

Indicators must be uniform measures which will provide meaningful information across the spectrum of non-renewable resource commodities, i.e. precious and base metals, oil and gas, coal, uranium etc.

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