The Criticality of Using Frameworks Designed by Consensus (FDC) to Identify and Select Criteria and Indicators to Assess Sustainability Performance of Cities and Communities

Capturing the various facets of sustainable development is main objective sustainability assess- ment studies. Scientists and practitioners use criteria indicators as instruments to link theoretical definitions with evaluation effectiveness management strategies; therefore, identifying selecting are most critical processes in evaluating implementation strategies progress toward achieving goals objectives. The manuscript argues need for increasing credibility identification selection through stakeholder engagement, participation management. Sustainability aims primarily address balance [social, economic, environmental] needs expectations stakeholders; reaching consensus amongst groups stakeholders became determining factor design, implementation, assessment strategies. Because a precise definition that universally agreed upon yet be introduced, process assess embedded subjectivity vagueness can easily manipulated meet particular interests. Furthermore, absence rigorous standardized methodological frameworks contributes continuously proposing set best capture notion which creates distrust directly affects concept. Departing from acknowledging relevance decision-making processes, identifies discusses three credible reliable designed by (FDC) identify select performance cities communities: (1) ISO 37130:2018 complemented 37122:2019, (2) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) focus on Goal 11, (3) customized (CFSS). To minimize strengthen credibility, also makes case embedding FDC into indicators. methodology adopted their development, provide scientists sources communities.