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Bringing the “Missing Pillar” into Sustainable Development Goals: Towards Intersubjective Values-Based Indicators

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  • Gemma Burford

    (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
    Sustainable Development Coordination Unit, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Elona Hoover

    (Sustainable Development Coordination Unit, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Ismael Velasco

    (Sustainable Development Coordination Unit, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
    Adora Foundation, 12a Lawrence Avenue, Bristol, BS5 0LE, UK)

  • Svatava Janoušková

    (Charles University Environment Center, José Martího 2/407, 16200 Prague 6, Czech Republic)

  • Alicia Jimenez

    (Earth Charter Initiative, c/o University for Peace, San Jose 138 6100, Costa Rica)

  • Georgia Piggot

    (Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada)

  • Dimity Podger

    (Barasa Consulting Group, 131 Croydon Avenue, Croydon Park NSW 2133, Australia)

  • Marie K. Harder

    (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
    Sustainable Development Coordination Unit, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

Abstract

This paper argues that the need for a core “fourth pillar” of sustainability/sustainable development, as demanded in multiple arenas, can no longer be ignored on the grounds of intangibility. Different approaches to this vital but missing pillar (cultural-aesthetic, religious-spiritual, and political-institutional) find common ground in the area of ethical values. While values and aspects based on them are widely assumed to be intangible and immeasurable, we illustrate that it is possible to operationalize them in terms of measurable indicators when they are intersubjectively conceptualized within clearly defined practical contexts. The processes require contextual localization of items, which can nonetheless fit into a generalizable framework. This allows useful measurements to be made, and removes barriers to studying, tracking, comparing, evaluating and correlating values-related dimensions of sustainability. It is advocated that those involved in operationalizing sustainability (especially in the context of creating post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals), should explore the potential for developing indicators to capture some of its less tangible aspects, especially those concerned with ethical values.

Suggested Citation

  • Gemma Burford & Elona Hoover & Ismael Velasco & Svatava Janoušková & Alicia Jimenez & Georgia Piggot & Dimity Podger & Marie K. Harder, 2013. "Bringing the “Missing Pillar” into Sustainable Development Goals: Towards Intersubjective Values-Based Indicators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(7), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:5:y:2013:i:7:p:3035-3059:d:27171
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    9. Gemma Burford & Peter Tamás & Marie K. Harder, 2016. "Can We Improve Indicator Design for Complex Sustainable Development Goals? A Comparison of a Values-Based and Conventional Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-38, August.
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    15. Mitincu, Cristina-Gabriela & Ioja, Ioan-Cristian & Hossu, Constantina-Alina & Artmann, Martina & Nita, Andreea & Nita, Mihai-Razvan, 2021. "Licensing sustainability related aspects in Strategic Environmental Assessment. Evidence from Romania’s urban areas," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    16. Tomás B. Ramos, 2019. "Sustainability Assessment: Exploring the Frontiers and Paradigms of Indicator Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, February.
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    21. Mahon, N. & Crute, I. & Di Bonito, M. & Simmons, E.A. & Islam, M.M., 2018. "Towards a broad-based and holistic framework of Sustainable Intensification indicators," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 576-597.
    22. Seong-Kyu Kim & Jun-Ho Huh, 2020. "Blockchain of Carbon Trading for UN Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-32, May.
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