Application of the Sustainability Assessment of Technologies Methodology: Guidance Manual

This guidance manual by the United Nations Environment Programme outlines a methodology for evaluating and selecting technologies that align with sustainability principles. Developed through extensive expert consultation and field testing, it integrates environmental, social, economic, and technical criteria into a tiered assessment framework applicable across sectors. The manual introduces the Sustainability Assessment of Technologies (SAT) approach, which is designed for multiple decision-making levels—strategic, operational, and community-based. It guides stakeholders through each phase of the assessment: from initial situation analysis and stakeholder consultations to screening, scoping, detailed evaluation, and performance monitoring. Special emphasis is placed on participatory processes, scenario building, and quantifiable decision-making tools including weighted scoring and methods such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The manual also includes real-world case studies, sectoral applications, and step-by-step worksheets to support users in applying SAT effectively.