They provide signposts for more complex underlying change. Indicators can be used alone or in thematic sets. As a result, it is often difficult to determine the factors causing the changes recorded by the indicator. Sets of indicators are useful for demonstrating the links between issues and for analysing the reasons behind trends. When developing an indicator set it is crucial that a target audience is identified.
Different audiences can have very different information needs.
The target audience for these indicators is decision-makers within public and private sector organisations. These people may not have roles directly related to sustainable development but their actions will be crucial in ensuring that these issues are considered in planning and management. An important aspect of accessibility is travel and the extent to which people and businesses can access services, markets and communities choice - policies aimed at increasing the uptake of sustainable behaviours will only work if the option to pursue these is available. The location and form of developments can have significant impacts on biodiversity and also on the need to travel, while the sensitive siting of renewable energy technologies will be crucial to ensuring a sustainable transition to these forms of generation. The suggested indicators are shown in Table 1.