This research project set out to develop and apply a framework for assessing how energy systems may be structured to help society progress towards sustainability. The general intent was to outline a way to decide upon the things that matter in order to make better decisions that will lead to positive near- and long-term outcomes. There are various ways of reaching the goal described above, and the path chosen in this dissertation centred on Gibson’s (2006) sustainability assessment framework, an approach to integrated sustainability-based decision-making. In order to contribute to extending and specifying Gibson’s approach to sustainability assessment for energy undertakings, this project developed a theoretical framework grounded in various forms of complexity and energy. The journey described in the dissertation begins with an exploration of the complexity of science, the subject of Chapter 2. We live in a world characterized by inherent uncertainty, multiple worldviews, conflicting values, power dynamics and a whole host of other challenges to science and decision-making. Many of the environmental and human challenges we currently face have arisen in part because we do not sufficiently respect the limits to knowledge and the personal biases we all bring to the table. Chapter 2 develops a framework for knowledge generation and decision-making situated within its social context, and operationalizes this framework through the process of criteria specification. Drawing from multiple sources of data – particularly documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and observation – the criteria specification cycle provided the means of and determining and deciding upon the things that matter in a given case and context. The complexity of science is only half the story emerging from the complex systems literature. From a different perspective, it is evident that we live in a world of complex dynamics and interconnections, and it is important to ensure that whatever energy paths we set out on recognize these dynamics. Fortunately, there is a wide range of literature relating to the characteristics of complex systems in general, as well as their energy and material flows in societies. These literatures are explored in Chapter 3 to develop an understanding of and guidelines for managing complex systems to the extent possible and appropriate. Building on the theory developed in Chapters 2 and 3, the discussion in Chapter 4 began to develop an understanding of energy systems and energy decision-making and was structured around three general questions: (1) what is the energy problem? (2) what are the characteristics of an appropriate and constructive relationship with energy? and (3) how can the necessary and desired sociotechnical systems changes be achieved. These questions were largely addressed through an exploration of the soft energy path and transition management and led to two sets of guidelines designed to address energy systems structure and change. The theoretical framework developed over Chapters 2-4 was consolidated into a proposed set of sustainability criteria for energy undertakings. The sustainability criteria set represents the principal theoretical contribution of the dissertation to the academy and the broader assessment community, and outlines a suite of generally desirable system attributes and actions for achieving progress towards sustainability, as opposed to an acceptability threshold. The proposed sustainability criteria are primarily intended for application regarding energy undertakings at a wide variety of scales, but are much more broadly relevant. In a manner that is more iterative than can be described in this abstract, the sustainability assessment framework described in this dissertation was applied in, and enriched through, four distinct case studies that assessed (1) the 2006 Ontario Integrated Power Systems Plan proposed by the Ontario Power Authority. The Integrated Power Systems Plan was originally framed as a coal versus nuclear problem, as opposed to a critical appraisal of power systems planning; and in doing so it underplayed potential for conservation, demand management, increased renewable energy, and social change; (2) a small-scale biodiesel operation in Barbados. The plant owner collected used cooking oil from restaurants, roadside stands, and individual homes, and converted it into biodiesel using a first-generation processing technology known as transesterification. (3) a sugarcane-ethanol plant in the Tietê-Jacaré Watershed of São Paulo, Brazil. The sugarcane ethanol mill harvests approximately 21,000 hectares of sugarcane crops from seven municipalities and produces hydrated ethanol for domestic markets, and sugar for domestic and international markets; and (4) the agricultural and energy systems in Senegal. Senegal suffers from significant deforestation and soil fertility decline coupled with demographic change. The many interconnections between the energy and agricultural systems require an integrated assessment of both. Each individual case study stands alone in providing novel insights emerging from application of the framework in the particular case and context. At the more general level, five important insights emerged from the case studies, including: (1) the benefits of, and need for, maintaining a flexible unit of analysis so as to improve problem structuring; (2) the importance of grounding an assessment within its context; (3) the benefits of seeking integration and positive indirect effects; (4), the need to plan for and develop energy bridges towards feasible and desirable energy futures; and (5), the need for caution in the face of thresholds and uncertainty. The individual and general insights from the case studies were incorporated into the most recent version of the sustainability assessment framework described in this dissertation. The framework is suitable for application, with specification for particular case and context, to all types of energy systems at all scales.

Η βιωσιμότητα έχει έρθει να αντιπροσωπεύσει την περιβαλλοντική επιστήμη στην οικονομική ανάπτυξη. Η "οικολογική βιωσιμότητα" αναφέρεται τόσο στην κοινωνική όσο και στην περιβαλλοντική ευθύνη και κυμαίνεται ανάμεσα στα ζητήματα των ανθρώπινων δικαιωμάτων και τη βιωσιμότητα των τοπικών κοινοτήτων με απώτερο στόχο τη συντήρηση των φυσικών πόρων. Σε αυτό το επίπεδο οι επιχειρήσεις προσπαθούν να ανταποκριθούν στην αυξανόμενη περιβαλλοντική ανησυχία των καταναλωτών με την εισαγωγή μιας ποικιλίας πράσινων προϊόντων και πολιτικών. / Sustainability has come to represent everything from economic decelopment to environmental science.In the present argument, 'ecological sustainability' refers to both social and environmental responsibility, ranging from issues to human rights to viability of local communities and conservation of natural resources. Firms have attempted to respond to the growing environmental concern of consumers with the introduction of a variety of green products.

A destination should work for a future condition of the society with the social-, economic- and ecological sustainability perspectives in mind to be considered as a sustainable destination. We do not intend to explain the impact of the social and economic aspects, but instead we will only examine how Dubai, along with the tourism industry's rapid development, works to maintain environmental sustainability in the destination. The choice of Dubai is based on the fast-growing and productive tourism developmentin the city and its concept of building, including artificial islands and tall luxurious buildings. The new projects and the concept of becoming a leading global tourism destination in the desert not only costs money, but also affect the environment in the community. In this study, we have investigated how these building projects affect the city ecologically, if there is any sustainability thinking in Dubai and how the city actively works for the environment considering the future generations. We have done this by having seven interviews with people who hold relevant qualifications in the field, and then compare the result with what the relevant theories and previous research shows. The final result was a mixture between what the selected respondents said and what previous research concluded, which shows that Dubai still has some work to do when it comes to the environment and its sustainability goal

Abstract Today's society is developing towards a more conscious and dedicated attitude concerning the need for sustainable businesses. To ensure that the construction business who is responsible for massive impacts to environment and the society, the legislation demanding sustainability reporting has been passed in the EU. The purpose of this legislation is to force companies to include the environmental and social aspects of their operations and not just the economic. The purpose of this study is therefore to investigate how the construction companies in Sweden has been affected due to the legislation on sustainability reporting. The aim of this study is, through a qualitative working method, to answer which governing instruments the construction companies use in order to implement sustainability in the entire organisation on a day to day basis. The study has investigated four construction companies largely based in and around the three biggest cities in Sweden, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The interviewees in each company has a role in which they are involved in the strategic operations towards sustainability. The aim is here for the study to answer which governing instruments has been the most influential and successful. The results of the study reveals that beyond the legislation each company has a very different approach and layout concerning the sustainability reporting. The reason for this is because each company has different guidelines through frameworks and certification standards. Depending on what they consider to be vital elements to report, the reportings differ leading to different forms of governing throughout the companies. This also shows that the most successful governing instruments differ as well. Although the study concludes that the companies have mutual governing instruments in the form of education for the employees to enhance competence. It also shows that they all use instruments impacting employee values which leads to a comprehensible understanding of the company’s visions and guidelines.

Abstract Nature-based tourism has increased considerably during recent years, which has raised questions about the tolerance of ecosystems experiencing growing visitor numbers. The present thesis focuses on the ecological and social sustainability of nature-based tourism in protected areas and their surroundings. The objective of the ecological studies was to determine the effects of tourism on vegetation, soils and risk of introduction of alien plant species. The social survey investigated whether opinions concerning nature conservation and tourism by local people are dependent on socio-economic and demographic factors. The studies were carried out in Oulanka and Pallas-Ounastunturi National Parks, and in the Ruka and Syöte regions, in northern Finland. This research demonstrated that nature-based tourism (hiking, horse-riding and skiing) affected boreal forests, altering vegetation, soils and trail networks. The major effects were; reduction in vegetation cover, including of different life-forms, changes in plant species composition, soil chemistry and soil erosion. Trampling decreased plant cover more on slopes compared to flat terrain. Moreover, downward trampling reduced the plant cover more than did upward trampling. In addition, horse riding resulted in the introduction and establishment of a range of alien plant species. In general, ecological changes due to nature-based tourism were inevitable even when there were limited numbers of visitors. Respondents to the survey were classified into three groups according to their opinions concerning nature conservation and tourism development: (i) supporters of nature conservation, (ii) critical to nature conservation and (iii) critical to tourism development. The majority of respondents were supporters of nature conservation. However, opinions were strongly dependent on the socio-demographic background of the respondents, such as residential area, age, level of education and indigenousness. Since the impacts of tourism were dependent on the characteristics of plants and habitats and the quality of activities, case-specific planning, monitoring and rapid responses are the most efficient methods in avoiding irreversible environmental damages. Furthermore, close co-operation between different stakeholders and detailed scientific information about the ecological, economic and social elements of sustainability are needed to promote a sustainable development of nature-based tourism.

L’objet de cette thèse est de contribuer à l’étude du rôle de l’intervention de l’État dans les pays méditerranéens, et ce dans la promotion de la démarche responsable. Ce travail doctoral fournit une revue générale de l’étude du rôle des facteurs environnementaux dans le cadre du développement qualifié durable, il évoque, entre autres, les changements intervenus au niveau de la perception de la politique RSE, dans la région méditerranéenne. Dans l’étude que nous menons sur la RSE, nous focalisons notre recherche sur les démarches responsables aussi bien volontaires que celles menées obligatoirement, suite à des contraintes institutionnelles, et les soumettons à comparaison. Ce faisant, nous nous penchons en particulier sur la manière dont le concept RSE a été fortement relié à la notion de la durabilité environnementale. La première partie de ce travail présente une revue exhaustive et critique de la littérature sur les démarches responsables. Au niveau de la deuxième partie, essentiellement factuelle, nous cadrons les fondements empiriques et institutionnels d’un modèle de la croissance verte. L’estimation et la validation sont présentées au niveau de dernier chapitre. Les résultats obtenus nous amènent à affirmer, qu’en premier lieu, la RSE affecte positivement la qualité de l’environnement. En deuxième lieu, des démarches différentes se juxtaposent pour proposer des scénarios de la performance environnementale à l’échelle de la Méditerranée. En troisième lieu, il ressort que l’intervention contraignante de l’État fait perdre à la RSE son efficacité, à quoi s’ajoute l’impact - sur la RSE - de la disparité au niveau institutionnel et la différence du niveau de développement d’un pays à l’autre. En dernier lieu, nous pensons que l’interaction entre la volonté et l’obligation de mener des actions responsables pourrait être à l’origine d’une perfection en termes de durabilité écologique au niveau des pays riverains de la Méditerranée / The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the study of the role of State intervention in the Mediterranean countries, and this in the promotion of the responsible approach. This doctoral work provides a general review of the study of the role of environmental factors in the context of sustainable qualified development. It discusses, among other things, changes in the perception of CSR policy in the Mediterranean region. In our study on CSR, we focus our research on both voluntary and obligatory approaches, following institutional constraints, and subject them to comparison. In doing so, we focus in particular on how the CSR concept has been strongly related to the notion of environmental sustainability. The first part of this work presents an exhaustive and critical review of the literature on responsible approaches. In the second part, which is essentially factual, we frame the empirical and institutional foundations of a green growth model. Estimation and validation are presented at the last chapter level. The results highlight the relationship between CSR and governance as regards sustainable growth and sustainable environmental-friendly growth, at the macroeconomic level.The results obtained allow us to confirm that firstly, CSR plays a positive role in order to improve the quality of the environment. Secondly, various approaches overlap and tie together to propose environmental-performance scenarios throughout the Mediterranean.Thirdly, it appears that the restrictive intervention of the state weakens CRE efficiency, added to this the impact on -CSR- of the disparity at the institutional level and between countries of different development level. Finally, according to the results obtained, we believe that the interaction between the will and the duty to carry out responsible actions could in turn constitute/ lead to a perfection in terms of ecological sustainability for Mediterranean-bordering countries.

The Stockholm County regional planning agency wants to develop its work on digitalisation in Regional Planning with a focus on ecological sustainability. The purpose of this report is to contribute to this work by comparing and identifying ways that digitalisation is treated in regional planning in order to achieve ecological sustainability. The concept of "digitalisation" refers to the process where technology and digital information becomes a part of the community. The concept of "smart city" was identified as interesting and was interpreted for a "smart region", and what this could entail. Starting points to the issues were gathered in a workshop with the Stockholm region's Growth and Regional Planning Administration, as well as in an interview with an expert. A study was conducted of the five metropolitan regions’ regional planning documents, and of literature on regional planning, digitalisation and ecological sustainability. Seven strategies for digitalisation and ecological sustainability in regional planning were identified on the basis of the regional planning documents. A digital platform was identified as a possible way to work with services that are linked to the strategies. In the literature analysis tools were found which were used to identify how the strategies of digitalisation can lead to increased environmental sustainability. After that it was discussed how the digital platform can interact with regional planning, as well as how the digital platform and the collaboration platform can be understood from a planning theoretical angle. / Stockholms läns regionala planeringsorgan vill utveckla sitt arbete med digitalisering inom regional planering med inriktning på ekologisk hållbarhet. Syftet med denna rapport är att bidra till detta arbete genom att jämföra och identifiera sätt som digitaliseringen behandlas i regional planering i syfte att nå ekologisk hållbarhet. Begreppet ”digitalisering” syftar på den process där teknik och digital information blir en del av samhället. Konceptet ”smart city” identifierades som intressant och tolkades om för en ”smart region”, och vad det skulle kunna innebära. Ingångar i frågorna skaffades i en workshop med Stockholmsregionens Tillväxtoch Regionplaneförvaltning, samt i en intervju med sakkunnig. Det genomfördes en studie av fem storstadsregioners regionplanedokument, och av litteratur om regional planering, digitalisering och ekologisk hållbarhet. Sju strategier för digitalisering och ekologisk hållbarhet i regional planering identifierades utifrån de regionala planeringsdokumenten. En digital plattform identifierades som ett möjligt sätt att arbeta med tjänster som är kopplade till strategierna. I litteraturen hittades analysverktyg vilka användes för att identifiera hur strategierna med digitalisering kan innebära ökad ekologisk hållbarhet. Efter det diskuterades hur den digitala plattformen kan samverka med regional planering, samt hur den digitala plattformen och samarbetsplattformen kan tolkas ur en planeringsteoretisk vinkel.

The management practices of the hotel industry are under scrutiny for having an adverse impact on the environment. This study addressed the problem that hoteliers in Jamaica only focus on foreign exchange earnings and job creation, rather than on sustainable development in their operations. There is a lack of research on small hoteliers' integration of sustainable practices in their operations. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of 8 small hotel managers on the effect sustainable practices have on small hotel optimization. The conceptual framework consisted of stakeholder theory and corporate social responsibility. Focusing on small hoteliers' perceptions of sustainable practices, the research questions addressed managers' efforts in preserving the local heritage, maintaining the economic and environment and identifying the challenges. The phenomenological design included 8 small hotel managers who participated in telephone, email and Skype unstructured interviews. The data analysis involved transcribing and coding unstructured interviews which resulted in the emergence of 14 themes and 101 subcategories. Results revealed that successful sustainable practices include providing education on the history, culture, and heritage and respecting the environment. The analysis from the transcripts showed that high cost was one of the primary factors for the lack of sustainable practices in small hotels. The findings also showed that there was a need for government assistance in providing funding and education on the benefits of sustainable practices and development. This study could contribute to new and existing hoteliers, government policymakers and business leaders in sustainable strategic planning and development.

This thesis seeks to forge a conversation between two schools of contemporary political-economic thought - degrowth and modern monetary theory. With today's urgent, multiple, and interlinked socio-ecological crises, the degrowth school of thought has become increasingly relevant. While the degrowth movement has proposed a range of policies and visions for a post-capitalist future, the structural growth imperatives of capitalist states make degrowth visions politically and economically challenging to realize. Thus far, degrowth policies that aim to weaken society's growth imperative and start building a post-capitalist society have largely been raised from the assumption that governments are limited in budgetary terms, implicitly informed by the hegemonic neoclassical economics lens. However, modern monetary theory (MMT) has recently permeated the public debate, offering an alternative take on public spending, deficits, and the government’s fiscal policy space. MMT argues that monetary sovereign states are not fiscally constrained in the same way that households and non-sovereign entities are - instead, the actual limitations to spending are the resources available to a given nation. Yet, MMT theorists give insufficient attention to ecological considerations, exemplified by their tendency to take continued economic growth for granted and overlook ecological limits, particularly from a global justice perspective. Using an Ecological Political Economy lens, this thesis initiates a conversation between the degrowth and MMT scholarship, finding that while there are both distinct tensions between the two schools, there are also many synergies and possibilities for further cross-fertilization between them within the normative goal of socio-ecological sustainability and justice.

Interpretation has the potential to play an important role in involving the general public in the dialogue about sustainability, and what this may mean for the future of humans on the earth. Yet interpreters often fail to address this issue. In fact, it can be argued that much interpretation fails to truly engage its audiences or provoke serious thought about our relationship with the rest of nature or our future lifestyles. How can interpretation be made more engaging and provocative, and contribute to the dialogue about sustainability? How can it reach this potential? Some educators and interpreters advocate the use of drama to help people connect with natural and cultural heritage. Powerful dramatic experiences can become embedded in the emotions and leave enduring impressions. Drama is used as an educational tool around the world. Can it be used by interpreters to expand visitors’ conceptions of the human-nature culture milieu? This study addresses the paucity of empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of dramatized interpretation. Ten practitioners of dramatized interpretation were interviewed to explore the current use of drama in interpretation in Queensland, Australia, and in particular, the practitioners’ perceptions of these practices and their effectiveness. Current practice was evaluated according to the drama, interpretation and education literature, particularly recent theoretical developments. Practitioners displayed a strong understanding of the importance of engagement in interpretation, using a variety of drama forms and strategies to create resonant experiences and strengthen visitors’ connections with natural, historic and cultural heritage. In addition, they designed their programs to provoke thought and foster deep understanding of environmental and conservation issues, and obtained evidence of provocation and conceptual enhancement. Notwithstanding this, it is concluded that dramatized interpretation could have a greater impact on conceptual enhancement if practitioners designed their programs according to constructivist, group learning and sociocultural perspectives. Practitioners could also make a greater contribution to general environmental education if they explicitly addressed the issue of sustainability, using drama to tell stories that encapsulate the concept of sustainability and provide a vision of sustainable living. A checklist is provided to assist practitioners in the design and evaluation of dramatized programs. Recommendations are also given for interpreters wishing to explore the application of drama to their interpretive setting.