3.7 Methodology Sheets A complete description of each of the indicators in the EISD core set is provided in
the corresponding methodology sheets in Chapter 5. These sheets have been designed
to provide the user with all the information needed to develop the indicators. They
contain the following:
• Basic information on the indicator, including its definition and unit of
measurement, alternative definitions, auxiliary data or indicators needed for its
development and the relevant Agenda 21 chapter.
• Policy relevance, including purpose and relevance to sustainable development;
international conventions, agreements, targets or recommended standards, if
applicable; and linkage to other related indicators.
• Methodological description, including underlying definitions and concepts,
measuring methods, limitations and alternative definitions.
• Assessment of data, including the data needed to compile the indicator,
national and international data availability and sources, and related
publications that include similar indicators or related issues.
• References.
A conscious effort has been made to use a consistent format to frame the contents of
the methodology sheets. The sheets follow the format used by the CSD in the
methodology sheets of its overall ISD core set, making this report consistent with and
an extension (at the energy-sector level) of the corresponding report by UNDESA.
4
The methodology sheets are designed to help countries develop indicators that are
relevant to their energy policies and programmes for sustainable development. The
methodology sheets represent a starting point for the process of developing energy
indicators and are open for refinement and amendment.
4
The methodology sheets for the UNDESA set of ISD are available at http://www.un.org/esa/ustdev/
natlinfo/indicators/isdms2001/
