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Why Organization May Be the Primary Limitation to Implementing Sustainability at the Local Level: Examples from Swedish Case Studies

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  • E. Carina H. Keskitalo

    (Department of Geography and Economic History, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden)

  • Elias Andersson

    (Department of Forest Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-90183 Umeå, Sweden)

Abstract

Much of the effort to address environmental issues at the local level has focused on defining principles and aims rather than addressing the operational difficulties of implementation. Drawing upon insights from sustainability scholarship, this study reviews two cases: the development of a Swedish standard for implementing sustainable development at municipality, county council, and regional levels, and attempts by a small rural municipality to establish a process towards implementing the Aalborg Commitments. The research illustrates the specific organizational and managerial complexity of these case study experiences. It concludes that an organizational focus on integration and mainstreaming deserves particular attention to achieve broader sustainability, or related environmental or adaptation goals. The results, in particular, highlight the role that integrated management systems can play for sustainability work at the local level.

Suggested Citation

  • E. Carina H. Keskitalo & Elias Andersson, 2017. "Why Organization May Be the Primary Limitation to Implementing Sustainability at the Local Level: Examples from Swedish Case Studies," Resources, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:6:y:2017:i:1:p:13-:d:91918
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    References listed on IDEAS

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