Evaluation of urban sustainability: the comparison of two methods

Abstract

The research object chosen by authors is the problems of urban sustainability evaluation. The conception of Sustainable Development according to Brundtland definition consists of economical, social and environmental components. Those components are characterized by a set of indicators. The authors reveal difficulties which emerge creating the indicators system for sustainability evaluation, searching for information concerning indicators and, making mathematical calculations. Two methodologies for urban sustainability apraišai is being compared: so-called „traffic-light" approach and scientific based multiple criteria evaluation method. After thorough analysis of the scientific articles, specific databases and other information sources the algorithm for indicators system creation has been suggested. The set of economical, social and environmental indicators for particular city has been built, values of indicators have been defined and then two different decision making methods have been applied. According to general index of urban sustainability the conclusion has been drawn about trend of development - if there is movement towards sustainability or away from sustainability.