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2 - Systems Science and Sustainability Assessment

from Part I - Theoretical Background

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2020

By
Claudia R. Binder ,
Michael Hutter ,
Melissa Pang  and
Robert Webb
Edited by
Claudia R. Binder ,
Romano Wyss  and
Emanuele Massaro
Claudia R. Binder
Affiliation:
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Romano Wyss
Affiliation:
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Emanuele Massaro
Affiliation:
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
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Summary

This chapter provides an insight into the role of systems science for sustainability assessment. In the first part, we present seven axioms that have been derived from system-theoretical perspectives and show their relevance for sustainability assessment. Following these axioms, we propose a way to structure and analyse systems following four system characteristics: (1) system boundary and interactions with the external environment; (2) purpose, goals, and associated decision-making drivers and criteria for the system; (3) system structure (subsystems, elements, and their interactions), dynamics, and emerging behaviour; and (4) system information, outcomes monitoring, and learning. These four characteristics were applied to study, first, the historical development of the energy system analysis and, second, an Australian urban systems-transformation initiative. The systems-analysis framework presented provides a good basis for putting the elements of a system analysis into their broader context, and designing purposeful interventions. Especially for more transformational change, the alignment of stakeholder values, institutional arrangements, and available knowledge become key leverage points.

Keywords

systems sciencesustainability assessmentAustraliaenergysystem analysissystem boundarysystem purposesystem structuremonitoringdecision-making
Type
Chapter
Information
Sustainability Assessment of Urban Systems , pp. 30 - 64
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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