Selecting sustainability indicators for urban energy systems

Literature on the measurement of urban sustainability shows that no single indicator framework is appropriate for all applications. Consequently practitioners must consider the intended goals of indicator use and carefully choose metrics to maximize their relevance and effectiveness. The study of urban energy systems demonstrates these issues, as energy use is integral to many dimensions of urban sustainability and hence encompasses an array of stakeholders with potentially divergent needs. This paper therefore explores the selection of indicators for urban energy use, drawing on the previous work of Maclaren (1996) and Ravetz (2000). Potential urban energy indicators for London are presented to demonstrate the selection procedure and to highlight the challenges posed by the measurement of urban energy use. The paper concludes by suggesting that a mix of data sources, supported by a strong theoretical framework, is required to evaluate both urban energy systems and urban sustainability in general.