Sustainable Economy Indices and their application to Austria

Abstract

This paper presents the sustainability evaluation of the Austrian economy using the Sustainable Economy Indices (SEI) and the respective accounting system designed for it. In the first part of the paper, the backgrounds and the theoretical basis for the measuring system are outlined. Differences from existing methods of sustainability measurement and accounting are analysed. The second part of the paper shows the SEI calculation for Austria. Following the SEI method, not only ecological sustainability but also aspects of provision of consumption, monetary exchange and eco-efficiency of trade flows are assessed. Finally, based on a novel classification of economic activities, the structure of the Austrian economy from a sustainability viewpoint is further discussed.