Sustainability Metrics and Indicators: A Guide to Measuring Sustainability Performance

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a type of sustainability indicator?

Accepted Answer

Subjective and qualitative

Answer

Environmental

Answer

Social

Answer

Economic

Question 2

What is the primary distinction between a sustainability metric and a sustainability indicator?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability metrics are quantifiable measurements, while sustainability indicators are qualitative assessments.

Answer

Sustainability metrics are applicable in the short-term, while indicators are relevant in the long-term.

Answer

Sustainability metrics are utilized internally, while indicators are solely for external reporting.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key advantage of utilizing sustainability metrics and indicators?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced transparency and accountability

Answer

Guaranteed improved sustainability performance

Answer

Reduced costs for sustainability initiatives

Answer

Eliminating the need for stakeholder engagement

Question 4

Which of the following characteristics is NOT desirable in an effective sustainability metric?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in measurement

Answer

Quantifiable nature

Answer

Ability to track progress over time

Answer

Relevance to organizational sustainability goals

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a social sustainability indicator?

Accepted Answer

Employee satisfaction rate

Answer

Water consumption

Answer

Carbon emissions

Answer

Economic revenue

Question 6

What is the distinction between a sustainability metric and a sustainability indicator?

Accepted Answer

A metric is a quantitative measure, while an indicator provides qualitative or quantitative context and interpretation

Answer

Metrics are used internally, while indicators are used externally

Question 7

Which of the following metrics primarily assesses a company's environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Carbon emissions

Answer

Employee turnover

Answer

Customer satisfaction

Question 8

What is the main role of stakeholders in the development and use of sustainability metrics?

Accepted Answer

To provide input on the organization's sustainability goals and priorities

Answer

To implement and manage sustainability initiatives

Answer

To collect and analyze data on sustainability performance

Question 9

Which of these is NOT a core principle of sustainability metrics and indicators?

Accepted Answer

Simplicity

Answer

Comparability

Answer

Relevance

Answer

Measurability

Question 10

Which characteristic is LEAST likely to be found in a strong sustainability metric?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Timeliness

Answer

Relevance

Answer

Measurability

Question 11

A company sets a goal to decrease its carbon footprint by 20% over the next 5 years. This objective is best represented by what type of sustainability indicator?

Accepted Answer

Target-based indicator

Answer

Benchmarking indicator

Answer

Trend indicator

Answer

Ratio indicator

Question 12

A company tracks the number of employees trained in diversity and inclusion initiatives to assess its social impact. Which sustainability dimension does this metric primarily focus on?

Accepted Answer

Social

Answer

Economic

Answer

Environmental

Answer

Governance

Question 13

A company compares its energy consumption per unit of production to industry standards. This practice uses which type of sustainability indicator?

Accepted Answer

Benchmarking indicator

Answer

Target-based indicator

Answer

Trend indicator

Answer

Ratio indicator

Question 14

Which framework is widely used for reporting a company's sustainability performance?

Accepted Answer

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Answer

ISO 14001

Answer

ISO 9001

Answer

OHSAS 18001

Question 15

A company measures its water usage per unit of output. This metric is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

Ratio indicator

Answer

Benchmarking indicator

Answer

Trend indicator

Answer

Target-based indicator

Question 16

A company tracks its greenhouse gas emissions over time to identify patterns and areas for improvement. This is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

Trend indicator

Answer

Ratio indicator

Answer

Benchmarking indicator

Answer

Target-based indicator

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using sustainability metrics?

Accepted Answer

Increased regulatory compliance

Answer

Improved stakeholder engagement

Answer

Enhanced risk management

Question 18

A company sets a goal to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025. This is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

Target-based indicator

Answer

Ratio indicator

Answer

Benchmarking indicator

Answer

Trend indicator

Question 19

What is the main purpose of using a sustainability dashboard?

Accepted Answer

To visually present key sustainability metrics and track progress towards goals

Answer

To conduct detailed audits of environmental performance

Answer

To develop comprehensive sustainability strategies