Effectiveness of Metrics

This Effectiveness of Metrics research aims to develop pathways for effective sustainability metrics. It seeks to close a critical knowledge gap hindering the sustainability transition: understanding what makes metrics truly effective – robust, practical, and actionable.

Metrics are essential for driving meaningful change, particularly in preparing cities, companies, and entire nations for a future of increasing climate change and resource constraints. Despite significant media attention, progress has been slow, and persistent ecological overshoot continues to heighten societal risks. A key factor in this performance gap is the absence of effective metrics.

This research will explore the conditions and processes that enable metrics to become powerful tools for transformation. It begins with the to be tested premise that effective metrics must meet three core conditions: they must be fact-based, relevant, and empowering. While necessary, these factors alone may not be sufficient. This inquiry will refine, test, and expand and sharpen these conditions, applying them to develop and promote metrics that can accelerate societal adaptation to growing climate and resource challenges.

The Focus Group involves Rudolf Diesel Industry Fellow Dr. Wackernagel and his hosts Prof. Magnus Fröhling and Prof. Sebastian Goerg.