The research results are put forth as seven 'Triads of Sustainability' - where seven issues (participation, decision-making, partnership, governance, knowledge and information, continual improvement, and lifestyles) leading to sustainability are explained in detail with case studies . These triads are key ingredients that define and drive sustainability, particularly at the local level.

The Seven Sustainability Triads Participation Decision-Making Partnership Governance Knowledge and Information Continual Improvement Lifestyles

There are, as expected, considerable overlap and interlinkages among the seven triads, and they cannot be taken in isolation and implemented. The descriptions of each triad outline its three key components and related issues, but the real challenge will be to convert these components into locale-specific procedures and working methodologies that will achieve the desired result - achieving sustainability.

The Governance Triad, for example, covers transparency, accountability, and efficiency as its components. The challenge is to understand the implications of the concept of 'transparency' - Transparency of what? Accountable to whom? Why should transparency be ensured? What problems will be encountered? What will happen if transparency is not ensured? Again, this understanding has to be defined, understood and accepted by and for all stakeholders.