Katherine Buselich & Jim Singleton

Human agency in the sustainability assessment process, real or imagined: a case study of integration of stakeholder participation in an LNG site selection MCA

Kathryn Buselich and Jim Singleton
GHD, WA

Abstract:
Sustainability assessment as a tool to help reconcile environmental, social and economic objectives calls for the inclusion of disparate stakeholder determinations of values and impacts. As an integrating mechanism for more holistic decision-making it challenges traditional assessment methodologies built upon positivist scientific analysis and associated presumptions of technical expertise and specialist knowledge.

This presentation delves into the central role of participatory process in sustainability assessment and the importance of bringing together multiple knowledge and perspectives in sustainability decision making. Through an examination of stakeholder involvement in an LNG multi-criteria analysis site selection process, we will discuss how multiple stakeholder voices provide vital inputs to assessment processes and a critical "reality checking" role. We will also argue for the development of communicative equity and deliberation in sustainability-based assessment processes to generate innovative thinking, consensus and support for outcomes.