Experiences in the use of Ecological Footprint as a sustainability indicator

Abstract

To achieve sustainability in countries, organiza- tions and all kind of environments, indicators are needed. The Ecological Footprint is an indicator that evaluates two basic principles of sustainable development: the sustainability principle and the principle of equity. As Ecological Footprint concept complies with the bases of environmen- tal performance indicator it can be integrated in environmental management system to be easily assessed. Nowadays, methodologies for different areas as countries, corporation and organizations as universities between others, can be found in recent literature. However, there is still a lack of standar- dization that allows comparisons, monitoring and a profitable result analysis. In this paper, bases of Ecological Footprint indicator are described; benefits and shortcomings are analyzed to outline a roadmap of Ecological Footprint assessment.