Methodology of Sustainability Indicators Determination for Enterprise Assessment

Abstract

Lithuanian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need the indicators system for evaluating their sustainability. Because of some difficulties to quantify the aspects of sustainability, not only quantitative but also qualitative indicators are recommended. To select sustainability indicators, an initial set of quantitative indicators was compiled from both sustainability indicators and separate environmental indicators systems. A qualitative indicators set was compiled from one developed qualitative indicators system. The survey of experts was organized for determining qualitative and quantitative sustainability indicators. Budget allocation processes were used as a weighting method. To adjust indicators and weighting coefficients for enterprises in developing or developed countries determination and weighting procedure by national experts should be repeated. Assessment according to the standardized methodology can show only essential problems and it is the first step towards the improvement process.