Sustainability: dimensions and methods of measuring results

Abstract

The topic of sustainability is increasingly evident both in the academic context as in governmental and business. However, it is a concept that is under construction and still needs to be studied in greater depth and rigor for its better understanding. This theoretical paper aims to identify the dimensions of sustainability and the measurement methods used to evaluate the results of sustainability. For this we conducted a literature review through which they were identified, beyond the dimensions of the triple bottom line (economic, social and environmental) other dimensions of sustainability that should be discussed and can be incorporated into organizational strategies. Regarding to the methods of measuring sustainability, the international models Ecological Footprint (Footprint), the Dashboard of Sustainability (Sustainable Control Panel), the Barometer of Sustainability (Sustainability Barometer) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) are highlighted. In Brazil, noteworthy are the initiatives of  sustainable nature of the Ethos Institut, the social IBASE and sustainable development index developed by IBGE. It is noticed that there are still challenges to be overcome in relation to methods of measurement in order to add information and support for decision-making on new investments in sustainability.