Introduction

Abstract

This chapter conveys the conceptual and theoretical frameworks for the research. This includes intersecting literature on sustainability metrics (such as Ecological Footprint and biocapacity accounting), systems theory , and sustainability. The brief aims are centred around literature searches approached from a critical perspective to help inform the application and contribution of Ecological Footprint and biocapacity accounting as a sustainability metric. Therefore, in this chapter are criticisms directed at the National Footprint Accounts that are relevant to the Footprint Calculator. The focus here is on scale , aggregation, and data quality, including consideration of quality scores.KeywordsSustainabilityNatural/Social capitalEcological Footprint and biocapacity accountingNational Footprint accountsFootprint CalculatorQuality assuranceQuality scoresCriticismsIssue themes(Spatial) scaleAggregationData quality