This study explored the usefulness of sustainability assessment tools for small-scale agri-food projects in Sweden, focusing on the 2000 m² project initiatives in Älvsbyn and Stockholm. Employing a critical, integrative approach, two frameworks that is the Five-Level Model of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) and Binder et al.’s (2010) framework guided the evaluation of the five selected tools: SMART, RISE, SAFE, SAEMETH, and LiteFarm. This research developed a conceptual framework combining these two methodologies, enabling a structured assessment across normative, systemic, and procedural dimensions. Results highlight SMART as the most comprehensive tool, offering broad coverage of environmental, social, and economic dimensions and robust procedural strengths. RISE follows. LiteFarm can also be used for its fair sustainability coverage, open access, and farmerfriendly visuals. SAFE and SAEMETH, despite their systemic and participatory design, show limitations in practical use and clarity. The findings suggest that SMART and RISE are best suited for full sustainability evaluations in complex contexts like the 2000 m² concept, while LiteFarm serves well for rapid assessments.