Discussing Targets and Benchmarks

1. Fraser Basin Council Sustainability Indicators Program Discussing Targets and Benchmarks

2. Why Measure and Report on Sustainability? • To increase public awareness and understanding about sustainability • To identify critical issues and responses to improve progress • To inform and influence decisions and actions to advance sustainability

3. Using Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets • Varying definitions of indicators, benchmarks, thresholds, and targets • Benchmarks, thresholds and targets may be used to: • Put indicator trends in context • Make trends more meaningful / understandable

4. Using Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets • Examples of benchmarks, thresholds and targets • Scientific / technical basis (e.g., toxic levels for specific pollutants - known health risks if pm10 > 25 micrograms / cubic metre, mercury) • Policy basis (e.g., diversion of 50% of waste from landfills, 10% increase in affordable housing units) • Comparative basis (e.g., compare trends for different jurisdictions, or compare trends over time for a single jurisdictions - I.e., getting better or worse over time) • Qualitative / subjective / intuitive basis (e.g., based on the interpretation of the project proponent and/or advisors (usually visual icons used such as happy faces, traffic lights, other gauges, up & down arrows) • Combinations of above

5. Using Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets • Absolute sustainability versus relative sustainability • Do we know what level is sustainable? • Is there consensus or are there diverging perspectives? • Reference points and baseline information • Do policy targets exist? • Are they relevant to the audience? • Are data available for comparisons over time or geography? • Are common targets appropriate for different regions? • Are comparisons relevant and appropriate? • One common solution - Interim targets that move towards sustainability