Abstract

Over a 25 year span, using five year increments, the index of sustainable functionality (ISF) was applied to measure sustainability within the region of South East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. This study uses functionality by relating it to the level of sustainability within the measured geographical region and utilising methodologies that expand upon the concepts of a dual weightings approach. The dual weightings approach integrates an expert panel and a community-based viewpoint that operate independently of each other to calculate the weightings component of the application. The ISF of SEQ is formulated using novel equations that show higher precision of changes in sustainability via functionality trends. The results of the overall trend for the geographical region of SEQ indicate an intermediate level of functionality which is mostly amounted to related concerns of economic progress and lack of social awareness; while, the natural state of the region is not in severe threat of dysfunctionality which suggests a promising attentiveness to environmental concerns and the like. The use of the ISF in this manner aids in providing a solid basis for achievements and concerns at the community level, offers a historical record as a point of reference as a management tool and presents personal with a view forward on present and future sustainability practices at all levels of government, private enterprise and public institutions. This field of research emphasis’ quantitative sustainability, integrated within various levels of qualitative means, can be an important and highly-influential piece of the sustainability puzzle.