ABSTRACT
Sustainability indicators can be an important tool for helping individuals, institutions, communities and societies make different and better choices about their futures. This chapter examines some of the factors that should be considered when developing or using indicators. Communities can develop indicators that symbolize what the data means in terms of community values. Sustainable Seattle is a long-term voluntary initiative which has brought different stakeholders in the community together. Indicators can generally be categorized into three types: distinct, comparative, and directional. Chapter 40 of Agenda 21 addresses a critical element in achieving a more sustainable future. Without better information it will be mere chance that produces better decisions. Institutions have an obligation to make data available in a form which is accessible to those who need it. Institutions also have an obligation to listen to what the information means to those whose quality of life is in the balance.
