How can you measure and report change outcomes for short-term and long-term sustainability goals?

1 Define your goals

The first step is to define your sustainability goals clearly and explicitly. What are the specific changes that you want to achieve in your environmental, social, and economic dimensions? How do they align with your vision, mission, and values? How do they contribute to the global sustainability agenda, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? You should also consider the time frame, scope, and scale of your goals, and how they relate to each other.

2 Choose your indicators

The next step is to choose your indicators, which are the measurable variables that show how well you are performing against your goals. Indicators should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be balanced, covering both quantitative and qualitative aspects, and both outputs and outcomes. Outputs are the direct products or services that you deliver, while outcomes are the changes or benefits that result from your outputs. For example, an output indicator for a renewable energy project could be the amount of electricity generated, while an outcome indicator could be the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

3 Collect your data

The third step is to collect your data, which are the values or information that you assign to your indicators. Data collection can be done through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or secondary sources. You should ensure that your data are valid, reliable, accurate, and consistent, and that you follow ethical and legal standards. You should also plan how often and how much data you will collect, and how you will store and manage them.

4 Analyze your data

The fourth step is to analyze your data, which is the process of interpreting and understanding what your data mean. Data analysis can be done through various techniques, such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, or qualitative methods. You should use appropriate tools and software to help you perform your analysis, and check for any errors or biases. You should also compare your data with your baseline, targets, or benchmarks, and identify any trends, patterns, gaps, or anomalies.

5 Report your results

The fifth step is to report your results, which is the process of communicating your data and analysis to your stakeholders. Reporting can be done through various formats, such as reports, dashboards, infographics, or presentations. You should use clear and concise language, visuals, and stories to convey your message, and tailor your report to your audience and purpose. You should also highlight your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, and provide recommendations for improvement or action.

6 Review and improve

The sixth and final step is to review and improve your measurement and reporting system, which is the process of evaluating and enhancing your performance and impact. Reviewing and improving can be done through various mechanisms, such as feedback, audits, reviews, or evaluations. You should use your results and reports to inform your decision-making, learning, and accountability, and to adjust your goals, indicators, data, analysis, or reporting as needed. You should also celebrate your successes and recognize your contributions to sustainability.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?