The project has other aims. Sustainability does not inform the questions or technology objectives.
Technology or research may be extractive or polluting, however as sustainability is not part of the project’s focus, these sustainability impacts are unknown.
Clean up, damage limitation or redistribution of negative impacts is not considered.
Other research goals may be prioritised over sustainability.
Technology, knowledge, or research practice engages with one dimension of sustainability (environmental, social, economic) or to one SDG.
Impacts of the project in other dimensions of sustainability remain unconsidered or unknown.
The project aims to make clear contributions to two or more dimensions of sustainability.
Research accepts some trade-offs between environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability, or different SDGs.
However, the researchers acknowledge and document these trade-offs. The research generates new knowledge or applies existing knowledge to minimise harms and maximise co-benefits.
The project operationalises a multi-dimensional approach to sustainability encompassing environmental, social and economic dimensions, or several SDGs.
The research focuses on ambitious, transformative or empowering approaches to sustainability or long-term thinking.
The project pursues productive synergies between multiple dimensions of sustainability, and generates new knowledge or applies existing knowledge to achieve these.
The most globally recognised sustainability framework is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals1. This integrates each of the three dimensions of sustainability equally and translates them into 17 practical targets, often combining dimensions of environmental, economic and social sustainability. The SDGs can be a helpful framework to help you identify your contribution.