Den hållbara kommunen - om åtgärder och stöd för det kommunala hållbarhetsarbetet

Sammanfattning

Global development goals such as Agenda 2030 often serve as local guidelines for municipalities and research highlights the local power efforts to be significantly important for achieving sustainable development. The UN predicts a continued increase in urbanization and due to its multifaceted role, municipalities are expected to have an advantageous space to tackle difficulties and explore solutions. Simultaneously, studies draw attention to identified barriers between policy and practical implementation, and sustainability risks suffering due to growing policy inflation. By a qualitative research model, this study has delved deep into the efforts and support surrounding the local power effort of three Swedish municipalities, prominent in the work towards sustainability. Through interviews and a theoretical framework for sustainability, experiences and perceptions of the local sustainability work could be perceived. This study shows a spectrum of barriers regarding implementation of sustainability measures and manifests a perceived sustainability structure different from the theoretical framework. The decentralization of sustainability work, complicated structures within the municipalities and lack of knowledge are slowing down processes. The need for assistance is thus often characterized by the desire for networking structures, distinct leadership and dedicated time for sustainability issues. This study ultimately emphasizes the importance of, as well as calls for a) a long-term perspective on sustainability, predominantly in a political and economic context, b) a reduction of policy document for clearer objectives and leadership and c) implementation of further networking as well as systematic tools for impact assessments, evaluations and decisions.