Integrated assessment and energy analysis: Quality assurance in multi-criteria analysis of sustainability Mario Giampietro a, * , Kozo Mayumi b , Giuseppe Munda c a Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy b University of Tokushima, Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Tokushima City 770-8502, Japan c Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Economics and Economic History, Edifici B, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Abstract Science for sustainability policy requires the handling of multi-dimensional and multi-scale analyses. Integrated assessment is about generating information relevant for decision-making. This generates a divide between two scientific paradigms: (1) ‘Post-Normal Science’ acknowledges the unavoidable existence of non-equivalent perceptions and representations of the reality; legitimate but contrasting perspectives found among social actors; heavy levels of uncertainty. (2) ‘Normal Science’, believes that it is possible to handle in a rigorous and rational way these challenges and that therefore it is possible to define in substantive terms ‘the best course of action’ for society. This paper is written to explain the reasons and the tools developed by scientists working within the Post- Normal Science paradigm. q 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd. 1. Introduction 1.1. The context of this paper The conclusions of the second Biennial International Workshop Advances in Energy Studies include, among other recommendations, a call for the scientific community to reframe quantitative analyses within an ecological economics perspective and to develop more effective tools for decision makers [1]. In relation to this point, one of the technical sessions of that workshop—entitled ‘Energy and Governance’—was dedicated to the development of policy and management tools for energy analysis to Energy xx (2005) 1–28 www.elsevier.com/locate/energy 0360-5442/$ - see front matter q 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2005.03.005 * Corresponding author. Tel.: C39 06 51494439; fax: C39 06 51494550. E-mail address: giampietro@inran.it (M. Giampietro). DTD 5 ARTICLE IN PRESS