Revealing values in a complex environmental program: a scaling up of values-based indicators. (15th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Podger, Dimity; Hoover, Elona; Burford, Gemma; Hak, Tomas; Harder, Marie K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 134(2016:Oct.)Part A
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2016-10-15
• Subjects: Sustainability indicators -- Sustainability assessment -- Values -- Values-based indicators -- Values-focused evaluation -- Participatory processes; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.08.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Ethical values such as trust, compassion and equality are core to the way many pro-environmental organizations function, whether or not they claim these are key to their success. Mainstream sustainability indicators do not, however, explicitly acknowledge this values dimension. In this paper we describe a replicable approach that has successfully been used to develop values-based indicators and assessment tools within an emancipatory research paradigm, in an EU-funded project characterized by close partnership between civil society organizations (CSOs) and university-based research groups. We outline the methodology used to develop values-based indicators, and then demonstrate how the resulting indicators were used systematically to evaluate a national program of youth leadership within a large Mexican civil society organization promoting reforestation. We reflect on this illustrative example in relation to wider conversations about values and sustainability.