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An ability to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and identify where interventions are needed. Businesses and business units as well as government agencies are evaluated based on the impacts of their programs or investments. They can serve to measure impacts and identify gaps in practice. Well-designed metrics help direct resources more intentionally and effectively toward a desired outcome.
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Make a stronger business/economic/political case. Increasingly, investors (including company business financial officers) and politicians require some evidence of return on investment for programs. Green chemistry is still a niche consideration, in part because its advocates have failed to create a strong business and economic case for investments. Well-designed metrics can help make a stronger case for additional investment and attention that strengthens the green chemistry movement.
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Identify potential trade-offs. While at first a green chemistry solution may seem safer and more sustainable or high performing and cost-effective, as it is adopted in the market, problems may be identified or unforeseen benefits may be found. In either case, having clear metrics can improve the ability to identify early warnings and facilitate corrective interventions.
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Distinguish green chemistry from “green wash”. Research by the GC3 has found that lack of a clear definition and measures of green chemistry can lead to confusion in the marketplace where innovations that are not green may be misbranded as green chemistry. A search for good metrics can sharpen our focus on specific desired outcomes that enhance a bold vision for green chemistry.