Page 13 - U4SSC KPIs Verification Manual - A guide for verifiers

2 Structure of this guide

The structure of this guide is based on the U4SSC Collection Methodology for Key Performance
Indicators for Smart Sustainable Cities

This guide covers the verification process and qualification criteria for Verifiers, and also defines
the role of Verifiers and expectations for assessing and reporting the reasonableness of city data
presented.

This manual also lists the KPIs exactly as structured in the Methodology manual, with each KPI
mapped to the dimension, sub-dimension, category, KPI name and KPI number. The following
headings are within each KPI in this guide and in the Methodology manual used by the cities:

I. Definition/Description: Provides a brief explanation of what the KPI is measuring.

II. Rationale / Interpretation / Benchmarking: This section defines the rationale underpinning
the KPI and how it pertains to the quantification of sustainability and resilience. Benchmarking
data are provided in quantitative and qualitative terms, as available / applicable / appropriate.
III. Methodology: Provides instructions to the data inputters as to how the KPI is to be calculated.

IV. Unit: Stemming from “Methodology” the unit clarifies the nature of the resulting KPI (e.g.,
percentage).

V. Data Sources / Relevant Databases: Provides guidance to the city as to acceptable examples of
data sources that may be used for completion of the report. In this section you will see comments
that modify, or place alternate stipulations on, data, based on the nature of the source. The city
must be reporting the source used.

VI. SDG Reference(s): This provides traceability to the “Global indicator framework for the
Sustainable Development Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”,
which cross-references USND Indicator codes.

In addition to the foregoing headings, a section named “Verifier Guide” has been added to
each KPI. The Verifier Guide contains additional notes intended to aid the Verifier in determining
the reasonableness or plausibility of data presented. The guidance contained in the Verifier
Guide section is based on experience learned to date. The Verifier Guide will be a repository for
intelligence garnered over time from Verifier activities and lessons learned. Such information will
be harnessed and used as a basis for updating this guide.

U4SSC KPIs Verification Manual-A guide for verifiers 3