SiD ELSI in Detail
What is ELSI?
ELSI is a categorization tool to index the different areas of interest for integrated development. It replaces the People-Planet-Profit model with a much more coherent framework for sustainable solution design.
The Problem with People-Planet-Profit
The PPP framework misses aspects, lacks hierarchy, and includes a debated "profit" component. This structural weakness leads to undesired externalities and encourages narrow focus on single areas like energy or waste rather than pursuing integrated sustainability. ELSI addresses these shortcomings with a structured, hierarchical approach rooted in systems thinking.
ELSI in Detail
ELSI is a systems-thinking tool for mapping project relationships across all areas of sustainability.
E -- Energy & Materials (Matter)
The physical foundations of any system. All materials are made from energy, making this the foundational layer.
L -- Life (Species & Ecosystems)
Biodiversity and ecological health. All ecosystems are made of materials, creating a dependency on the Energy layer.
S -- Society (Economy & Culture)
Social structures, economic systems, and cultural values. Human societies depend on healthy ecosystems.
I -- Individual (Health & Happiness)
Personal wellbeing and fulfillment. Individual happiness depends on the health of the surrounding society.
These categories are functionally nested within each other: "All materials are made from energy, and all ecosystems are made of materials." This creates hierarchical relationships from foundational (energy) to aspirational (happiness).
ELSI4 Stack
Shows the causal relationships between the four categories. The stack arranges them from goal-oriented (top: Individual) to fundamental (bottom: Energy). Useful for communication, quick analysis, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
ELSI8 Stack
The detailed version breaks each of the four categories into two sub-categories for more granular evaluation. Used for scanning interests, indicator development, full spectrum brainstorming, and detailed analysis across all dimensions of sustainability.
