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Analysis of indicators used for measuring industrial sustainability: a systematic review

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  • Azemeraw Tadesse Mengistu

    (University of Padova)

  • Roberto Panizzolo

    (University of Padova)

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an extensive analysis of the indicators that have been used for measuring industrial sustainability. To achieve this objective, a systematic review was carried out to explore the indicators in peer-reviewed articles relevant to industrial sustainability performance measurement. A total of 1041 indicators were identified and analyzed, with 290 for economic, 410 for environmental, and 341 for social dimensions. The majority were mentioned only once in the reviewed literature, showing a lack of consistency in their application (i.e., a lack of consensus regarding a single set of indicators) for measuring sustainability performance in different manufacturing industry contexts. Few of the indicators had been frequently used to measure industrial sustainability performance. These indicators had been used to measure industrial sustainability performance associated with financial benefits, costs, market competitiveness, resources, emissions, wastes, employees, customers, and community. This paper links the different indicators to the potential organizational goals used to improve industrial sustainability performance and contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals. It provides a comprehensive view of the indicators considering the triple bottom line approach. Our results have significant implications and will provide a strong basis for future academic and practitioner work on measuring industrial sustainability performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Azemeraw Tadesse Mengistu & Roberto Panizzolo, 2023. "Analysis of indicators used for measuring industrial sustainability: a systematic review," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 1979-2005, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:25:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-021-02053-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-02053-0
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