relation to numerous conditions among the many individual maximization
conditions, there is a possibility that in terms of total benefits, the overall value
for City E will ultimately be greater. Therefore, it is difficult to say that City E
clearly shows greater sustainability than City F.
(e) Let us now do a comparative assessment of the two sustainable cities E and F. If
the benefits indicated by maximization conditions cannot be combined in a
single value (for example, as a unit of money such as yen), and if the benefits
of a larger number of maximization conditions (maximization indicator) are
greater for City E than City F, City E is considered to be mildly more sustainable
than City F.
In this case, the total benefits cannot be compared. Therefore, we will adopt a
method whereby we will compare each maximization condition, individually
count the number of conditions indicating substantial benefits, and compare the
numbers. In this case too, we again need to use the word “mildly.” Why is this
so? For example, let us consider a scenario where we have nine maximization
conditions (maximization indicators). Suppose that in five of these conditions,
City E is slightly higher than City F, and City E is much lower than City F in the
other four conditions. According to the assessment frame here, City E appears to
show higher sustainability than City F. Nevertheless, it is difficult to say that
City E does in fact clearly demonstrate higher sustainability than City F.
(f) Let us next do a comparative assessment of the two sustainable cities G and H. If
City G generates greater benefit in all the maximization indicators, City G is
(strongly) more sustainable than City H.
In situations where all limiting conditions are met, the city demonstrating
greater benefits in all maximization conditions is the city demonstrating greater
sustainability. In this case, the conditions are clear, and a comparative assessment may be conducted in an extremely simple manner.
9.5 City Sustainability Index (CSI)
Indicators in the triple bottom lines (environment, economy, and society) are
collated and an index list compiled. Organizing these indicators according to different axes will be important in the system of assessment indicators. The two indicators
of limiting conditions and maximization conditions form the framework for the
assessment. In the assessment, the indicators will be organized by classifying them
into one of two categories: limiting indicators or maximization indicators.
A limiting indicator is an indicator for judging whether the limiting conditions
(threshold) are met about the environment and economic and social equity. For
example, there is an indicator for measuring and assessing whether an element is
having a serious impact on limitations in environmental aspects such as annual
emissions of greenhouse gases, water footprint, atmospheric concentrations of
PM 10 , NO x , and SO x . Furthermore, indicators for measuring and assessing whether
or not there are serious deviations from limitations on economic and social equity,
9 The City Sustainability Index (CSI): How Should the Sustainability of. . .
171
conditions, there is a possibility that in terms of total benefits, the overall value
for City E will ultimately be greater. Therefore, it is difficult to say that City E
clearly shows greater sustainability than City F.
(e) Let us now do a comparative assessment of the two sustainable cities E and F. If
the benefits indicated by maximization conditions cannot be combined in a
single value (for example, as a unit of money such as yen), and if the benefits
of a larger number of maximization conditions (maximization indicator) are
greater for City E than City F, City E is considered to be mildly more sustainable
than City F.
In this case, the total benefits cannot be compared. Therefore, we will adopt a
method whereby we will compare each maximization condition, individually
count the number of conditions indicating substantial benefits, and compare the
numbers. In this case too, we again need to use the word “mildly.” Why is this
so? For example, let us consider a scenario where we have nine maximization
conditions (maximization indicators). Suppose that in five of these conditions,
City E is slightly higher than City F, and City E is much lower than City F in the
other four conditions. According to the assessment frame here, City E appears to
show higher sustainability than City F. Nevertheless, it is difficult to say that
City E does in fact clearly demonstrate higher sustainability than City F.
(f) Let us next do a comparative assessment of the two sustainable cities G and H. If
City G generates greater benefit in all the maximization indicators, City G is
(strongly) more sustainable than City H.
In situations where all limiting conditions are met, the city demonstrating
greater benefits in all maximization conditions is the city demonstrating greater
sustainability. In this case, the conditions are clear, and a comparative assessment may be conducted in an extremely simple manner.
9.5 City Sustainability Index (CSI)
Indicators in the triple bottom lines (environment, economy, and society) are
collated and an index list compiled. Organizing these indicators according to different axes will be important in the system of assessment indicators. The two indicators
of limiting conditions and maximization conditions form the framework for the
assessment. In the assessment, the indicators will be organized by classifying them
into one of two categories: limiting indicators or maximization indicators.
A limiting indicator is an indicator for judging whether the limiting conditions
(threshold) are met about the environment and economic and social equity. For
example, there is an indicator for measuring and assessing whether an element is
having a serious impact on limitations in environmental aspects such as annual
emissions of greenhouse gases, water footprint, atmospheric concentrations of
PM 10 , NO x , and SO x . Furthermore, indicators for measuring and assessing whether
or not there are serious deviations from limitations on economic and social equity,
9 The City Sustainability Index (CSI): How Should the Sustainability of. . .
171