Accounting for sustainability: Implementing a residential emissions reduction strategy using an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative “indicators” of sustainability

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain and demonstrate the importance and usefulness of mixing qualitative and quantitative approaches in participatory residential sustainability policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach uses a theoretical model, developed through engagements with cultural and political sociology, to inform participatory engagement in selecting “indicators” of urban residential sustainability.

Findings

If they are to influence policy and practice effectively, quantitative indicators of sustainability need to be subjected to dialogical negotiation and deliberation aimed at establishing qualitative assessment of the problem.

Originality/value

Recognizing as foundational the need to negotiate the terms on which the task of achieving sustainability is implemented, the approach links “natural” with “social” scientific endeavour in a policy‐oriented and practical approach to binding together quantitative with qualitative “indicators” of sustainability.

Citation

Scerri, A. (2010), "Accounting for sustainability: Implementing a residential emissions reduction strategy using an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative “indicators” of sustainability", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 122-135. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831011010900