This study deals with the topic of restaurant sustainability in Czech context. The aim of the research was to set criteria for a Czech sustainable restaurant and also to reveal main barriers and opportunities for sustainable operation of a restaurant. The sustainable restaurant criteria were based on an analysis and comparison of four foreign methods of sustainability assessment in the sector of food services (FOODSCALE, Sustainable Restaurant Association, Green Restaurant Association and the Green Seal's GS-55 Standard), one Czech concept of restaurant sustainability, an analysis of good practices in fifteen foreign "sustainable restaurants" and an analysis of interviews with four Czech experts in the field of sustainable development and gastronomy. Based on this data the final Sustainable Restaurant Criteria were established, comprised of 102 criteria, classified into 5 main categories and 26 subcategories. The criteria were then described in detail, in view of the Czech context. The barriers and opportunities for the operation of Czech sustainable restaurant, defined by the above mentioned criteria, were identified from interviews realised with eight restaurateurs, who are already meeting some of the criteria, and therefore are one of the most progressive in Czech Republic in this field. From...

The thesis aims to obtain a holistic perspective of opportunities, drivers and barriers that different grid customers experience when enabling demand side flexibility. Due to the increasing problems of capacity shortage of electricity in large cities in Sweden, solutions on the demand side of the electric power grid have become increasingly interesting. Demand side flexibility is a voluntary change of demanded electricity from the grid due to some kind of incentive, which can help support balancing the electric power grid to avoid capacity shortages. Furthermore, the energy transition towards a decentralised power system with an increasing share of variable renewable energy requires a changed demand profile. In this research, a qualitative research methodology was applied. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with case companies within the industry and property company segment. Interviews were also conducted with three actors on the electric power market providing services to aggregate the potential of smaller flexibility resources, as well as with an expert from the Swedish Energy Market Inspectorate. A State of the Art review was completed in order to collect theory and draft previously identified aspects of demand side flexibility. The result shows that the concept is not unknown amongst electricity customers. However, there is a limited knowledge and interest in enabling demand side flexibility. The knowledge gap includes the awareness of potential flexibility resources as well as business opportunities of providing flexibility services. Conflicting priorities within organisations also presents an important barrier, where other easier and more profitable measures may be prioritised. There is also a fear of disrupting core business by causing loss of quality, comfort or production, which proposes a barrier. To overcome mentioned barriers and increase flexibility the financial benefits have to be distinctive and clear. Further, case companies express an ambition of contribution to the environment and sustainable development. By increasing the awareness of the benefits which increased flexibility induces, electricity consumers can become more motivated in adapting a flexible consumption. In addition, case companies express a desire of being early adopters in order to prevent future forced participation or termination of business. In order to enable demand side flexibility the knowledge and interest of the concept must increase. This should be done by providing clear, comprehensible information about the business opportunities of demand side flexibility as well as showcasing successful examples of implementation. Furthermore, it should include suggestions of easy, economical measures different grid customers could carry out to increase their flexibility. By providing this information the interest in flexibility can increase, thus increase the implementation and participation.

This thesis investigates the integration of digital technologies (DT) within Product-Service Systems (PSS) and their role in promoting Circular Economy (CE) practices. Despite increasing recognition of digitalization in industries with PSS offerings, research on DT as a catalyst for CE, especially across organizations of various sizes, remains limited. This study explores how DT can revolutionize PSS, leading to more sustainable and efficient operations aligned with CE principles across varying industries sizes. The research employs a qualitative, multiple-case study approach, examining various industries to comprehend the diverse applications and implications of DT in PSS. Through an extensive review of existing literature and empirical data from case studies, the study identifies the implications, challenges, opportunities, and strategic dimensions of leveraging DT in PSS for CE. Key findings reveal that DT significantly enhances the efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability of PSS operations, aiding a transition towards CE. The study emphasizes the critical role of DT in resource optimization, waste reduction, and value creation, which are essential for sustainable business practices. However, it also underscores the diverse challenges faced by organizations, including technological adaptability, cost implications, and the need for tailored strategies across different organizational sizes. The thesis concludes with strategic insights for organizations, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to maximize the benefits of DT in PSS for promoting CE values. The study also advocates for a future where digital technologies are central to achieving a circular business model, and underlines the importance of strategic and effective technology adoption in the PSS sector. / Denna avhandling undersöker integrationen av digitala teknologier (DT) inom Produkt-Tjänstesystem (PSS) och deras roll i främjandet av praxis för cirkulär ekonomi (CE). Trots ökat erkännande av digitaliseringens roll inom industrier med PSS-erbjudanden, är forskningen om DT en katalysator för CE, särskilt för organisationer av olika storlekar, begränsad. Denna studie utforskar hur DT kan revolutionera PSS, vilket leder till en mer hållbar och effektiv verksamhet och metoder i linje med CE-principer över varierande industristorlekar. Forskningen använder en kvalitativ flerfallsstudieansats, och undersöker olika industrier för att förstå de mångsidiga applikationerna och implikationerna av DT i PSS. Genom en omfattande granskning av befintlig litteratur och empiriska data från fallstudier, identifierar studien implikationerna, utmaningarna, möjligheterna och de strategiska dimensionerna av att utnyttja DT i PSS för CE. Huvudsakliga slutsatser visar att DT avsevärt förbättrar effektiviteten, flexibiliteten och hållbarheten i PSS-verksamheter, vilket underlättar en övergång mot CE. Studien betonar DT:s kritiska roll i optimering av resurser, minskning av avfall och vidare värdeskapande, vilket är avgörande för att skapa en hållbar affär. Den lyfter dock också fram de mångfaldiga utmaningar som organisationer står inför, inklusive teknologisk anpassningsförmåga, kostnadsimplikationer och behovet av skräddarsydda strategier för olika organisatoriska storlekar. Avhandlingen avslutas med strategiska insikter för organisationer, beslutsfattare och forskare, och betonar behovet av samarbetsinsatser för att maximera fördelarna med DT i PSS för att främja CE-värderingar. Den förespråkar en framtid där digitala teknologier är centrala för att uppnå cirkulära affärsmodeller, och understryker vikten av strategisk och effektiv teknologiimplementering i PSS-sektorn.