Sustainability Filter
In the report, we present a sustainability filter  that local governments can use to determine whether Sharing Economy activities advance multiple facets of urban sustainability. Sustainability is defined as advancing quality of life for all equitably while living within ecological means.
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There are three key reasons for this sustainability filter:
1) to align with local government priorities;
2) to take action on global trends that demand urgent responses; and
3) to respond to a growing interest in viewing the Sharing Economy from a sustainability perspective.

The    sustainability    filter    is    applied    to    five    sectors    of    the    Sharing    Economy of greatest interest to our local government project advisors. Shared mobility, spaces and goods are covered in the greatest depth, and then shared food and energy are given an initial analysis with    less    detail. Sustainability    impacts    across    all    areas    of    the    filter    are    summarized    first    and    then we provide recommendations for advancing urban sustainability, including some that advise local governments on how to get ahead of the curve. We also address Community    Sharing,    which    was    identified    as    a    priority    area    for    local    government involvement to advance sustainability. Community Sharing innovators are focused at local or neighbourhood scales and currently use information technology more modestly while placing more emphasis on in-person connections and meeting community needs and sustainability goals. Non-monetized transactions dominate.

Why is a filter needed?

Local governments should care about the Sharing Economy because it could…
  • Reduce ecological footprints of city inhabitants and wasteful practices
  • Save local government money
  • Create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Advance social connectivity and ‘social capital’ 
  • Spur social innovation
  • Lower the cost of education, collaboration, and research, and Reduce our need to acquire material things to earn status or social distinction

But without thoughtful checks, it could also….
  • Appear to reduce overall consumption while simply shifting it from one sector or activity to another 
  • Increase ecological and carbon footprints by growing the volume of vehicle traffic,    travel,    and    consumer    demand
  • Erode the tax base as more economic transactions take place outside of spheres subject to accountability
  • Negatively impact people not directly involved in Sharing Economy exchanges
  • Push local    wages    and    benefits  down
  • Erode the supply of affordable rental housing  
  • Exacerbate    inequality    as    status    is    redefined    by    access    to    resources    rather    than    ownership

Six guiding questions

The sustainability filter has six guiding questions that address the ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainability - the detailed sub-questions can be found in the document, below:

1. Living within ecological means - Does the Sharing Economy activity support absolute reductions in energy and materials flows    to    live    within    our    ecological    means?
2. Resilience - Does the Sharing Economy activity enhance resilience and climate adaptation?
3.  Natural systems - Does the Sharing Economy activity protect and restore natural systems?
4. Equity - Does the Sharing Economy activity advance equity and social inclusion and embrace diversity?
5.  Prosperous local economies - Does the Sharing Economy activity advance economic vitality and diversity, a level of self-reliance, and decent jobs?
6.  Quality of life - Does the Sharing Economy enhance social connectivity and wellbeing for all?

When using this filter:
  • Consider the sustainability questions in an integrated way in order to find opportunities for advancing multiple objectives and achieving synergistic benefits;
  • Make use of cost-benefit analysis and other tools for assessing trade-offs amongst different priorities; and
  • Use terms and approaches that align with city priorities and interests.

Even though we advocate for an integrated and comprehensive approach to sustainability, city priorities differ from place to place depending on political cycles and community needs. Our suggestion is for local governments to align their decision-making according to their city’s most pressing goals or priorities. If a city is focused on overcoming isolation among its residents then Sharing Economy activities that promote social connection can be prioritized. However, if addressing economic downturn is paramount, then Sharing Economy activities that promote affordable living and create quality jobs can instead be favoured by local government.