Sustainability Assessment of Technologies

Abstract

Sustainability has multiple dimensions. This chapter wants to stress that there is an inherent element of subjectivity in sustainable development that needs to be acknowledged even when sustainable development is at heart about improved states of the environment. Understanding of objectivity, subjectivity, and develop- ment can serve a more fruitful discussion about choices in sustainability. The aim of the chapter is to assess available methods for appraising the sustainability of inno- vation with regard to three key aspects for sustainability assessment: the ability to objectify impacts, the extent to which normative aspects are considered, and the coproduction of impacts between technology and environment.