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This paper takes a socio-technical perspective on Swedish biogas production and use, in order to identify characteristics which may improve and increase biogas production. Biogas could potentially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Swedish road transport by 25%, and to that end transport policy endorses the use of biogas as vehicle fuel. Currently, however, only a small fraction of the biogas production potential is utilised. By analysing how social and technological context has influenced production and use of biogas over the past 70 years, using concepts from the theory of Large Technical Systems (LTS), features of importance for increasing biogas production are identified. Biogas is shown to be a complex issue, with different functions within the energy, transport and waste management systems. As there is not one coherent biogas system but many individual systems, with different objectives, local and sectorial measures are required in order to increase biogas production. In particular, the importance of biogas production as waste management is identified. In order to utilise the biogas potential and reduce GHG emissions from road transport, policy-makers and researchers are advised to address the plurality in biogas systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate potential benefits and challenges regarding knowledge transfer and cultural change from the provider and buyer perspectives when using IPSOs for Swedish rail infrastructure. Considering material use and the importance of availability of the tracks makes rail infrastructure an interesting candidate for a business model based on a life-cycle approach, which can result in a reduction in cost and environmental impact. The concept of the Integrated Product Service Offering (IPSO) has in several business areas proven to be a means with potential to reduce the environmental impact of products and services, increase cost efficiency and quality, and act as a driver for change. The business model, which is based on a life-cycle approach, focuses on the function instead of the initial price of the product. Among the main findings are the lack of information and knowledge transfer that act as a barrier for innovation, and that the buyer's conservative business culture makes it difficult to implement new types of contracts. Since IPSO contracts require improved information transfer, they could potentially stimulate innovation as well as processes for evaluation of the contracts. By involving the contractors in the design phase their knowledge could be used in a better way, creating a feedback loop from practice to design. The empirical part, focusing on the rail infrastructure industry in Sweden, has been collected using individual interviews and a group interview approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to analyse the Constructive Dialogue, an initiative for collaborative and integrated urban governance for a sustainable built environment. The dialogue processes, implemented in six Swedish cities in 2004–2009, involved various actors and many types of initiative. Designed as a meta-analysis based on existing evaluations and supplementary interviews, this study examines experiences in capacity building in terms of building relationships, enhancing knowledge, and mobilisation. The study also considers achieved outcome in terms of sustainability, and specifically in terms of environmental aspects. The results show that the collaborative processes to promote relationship building were highly appreciated and that processes of knowledge exchange and knowledge enhancement were seen as quite successful. Consequently, an important result was the enabling of faster processes for urban planning to facilitate the process of urban densification. However, capacity building in terms of mobilisation for a sustainable development was seen to be less successful; the results show that the capacity of the Dialogue to enable mobilisation around sustainability issues through the creation of common visions and goals was weak. The best result was seen in Malmö where the Constructive Dialogue resulted in a shared sustainability agreement which was applied in the development of a new construction site. However, limitations were the difficulties in setting ambitious goals and the lack of knowledge and experience to meet the goals set in the agreement. The study indicates a difficulty in simultaneously considering process and environmental concerns and a tension between consensus and cutting-edge solutions. The study also illustrates the need to further develop processes for urban governance for sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Systems integration is a trend in the quest for increased environmental performance in urban districts, yet its implications are not yet fully known. Hammarby Sjöstad is a district in Stockholm, Sweden, designed with high environmental ambitions. These ambitions were later expressed in the Hammarby Model, an integrated infrastructural system aiming to minimize the metabolic flows of the district by closing its material and energy flows. Various integrated systems were already present in Stockholm when discussions began around the development of the Hammarby Model. Using a conceptual framework inspired by transition theory, this paper analyses the process of designing and building the Hammarby Model. Our aim is to create a better understanding of the implications of systems integration at the urban district level. The findings of the study show that systems integration may both enable and constrain further innovation. On one hand, integration facilitates the implementation of technologies that are add-ons or that solve a reverse salient experienced by the integrated system. On the other hand, technologies that are perceived to threaten the integrated system are locked out, prohibiting further optimization of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Systems integration (the combination of previously independent systems) is one of the solutions proposed by industrial ecology scholars to tackle environmental problems. Systems integration has not yet been analysed as an innovation process, which could bring additional insights to its challenges and barriers. This paper is a first attempt to fill this gap. Using a conceptual model based on actor-network theory and insights from structuration theory, we analyse the case of developing sewage gas for transport in Stockholm. Results show that the process was very dynamic and that the network grew in such a way that it became risky for actors not to join it. Moreover, pre-existing socio-technical rules had to be re-negotiated during the process. The process through which types of pre-existing rules were modified was unique for each pre-existing network that was involved. Besides, in one instance systems integration required the development of a bridging network allowing interaction between initially independent networks for sewage and private transport. Finally, results also show that systems integration requires a “superstructure” i.e. an organisation that can coordinate activities and take important risks to see to it that systems integration gets realised. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous research suggests that, despite a desire to introduce environmental concerns into New Product Design, many companies in the northwest of England have not done so. In order to understand more about why companies do or do not take on sustainability methodologies, an entirely new and rigorous approach was taken. This paper therefore presents the results of a questionnaire investigating the up-take of Eco/Sustainable Design in manufacturing companies in Sweden – a country that might be considered more environmentally progressive than the UK – and discusses them alongside the results of an identical questionnaire in the UK. The results are presented in the context of risk and risk aversion/management – in particular the risk associated with taking on board Design for Sustainability as a design method or a company strategy. It is found that there is no clear “winner” in sustainability between UK and Swedish engineering companies; there is encouraging news in both countries, with a desire to practice sustainability, but some that is not so good with the number of companies that actually implement relevant methodologies. It is apparent that there are still hindrances and perceived risks preventing companies taking sustainability fully on board, despite the recognition that sustainability is a “good thing”; the importance of the implementation of sustainability has not yet been fully grasped by industry and by those with the responsibility required to effect any changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper focuses on the role of ISO 14001 in environmental supply management practices in Swedish companies. It discusses the existing and potential role of ISO 14001 for three key operational tasks of environmental supply chain management: to communicate the requirements to the supplier, to motivate and enable the supplier, and to verify that the supplier follows the requirements. The study used three different research methods: interviews with environmental managers, focus group discussions and a survey of two multinational companies and their operating units in several countries. It concludes that cooperation between the purchasing and environmental functions within a company is frequently not sufficiently achieved in implementation of ISO 14001; this makes the communication of customer requirements to suppliers less efficient. Building close relationships with suppliers is important to overcome initial difficulties, but this often conflicts with having a large supplier base. For the supplier to have an ISO 14001 certificate is seldom an absolute requirement, however, preference is often given to such suppliers. The value of the ISO 14001 certificate, as a proof of environmental performance, is a combination of the supplier''s environmental ambitions, the advancement of supply chain practices of the customer and the ambitions of the certification bodies. Supplier audits are not commonly used as they are resource-consuming. Monitoring and verification approaches need further development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Transition to a low-carbon economy to achieve the Paris Agreement goal requires substantial investments. The green bond market shows good potential to help mobilize financial sources towards sustainable investments. In this paper, we compare the uptake of green bonds in Norway and Sweden from 2013 till 2019, with the aim to understand what drives the green bond market. Our study is one of the first comparative analyses specifically designed to explain differences in green bond uptake between two similar financial markets. The analysis can help us to identify factors that are transferable to other countries and that therefore can be important for facilitating the growth of green bonds in different markets. Data shows that there has been a faster growth in issuances in Sweden than Norway, and especially for the corporate sector and municipalities. When interviewing experienced green bond market participants in Norway and Sweden, we find that likely explanations are a business culture and financial institutions more focused on sustainability in Sweden, as well as a larger and more diversified corporate sector. In Norway, green bonds uptake may have been hampered by competition with high yield investments in oil & gas and shipping, a 'green' energy sector that considers green bonds to be superfluous, and many municipalities that are too small for green bond issuance. The experience from Sweden indicates that other countries wanting to facilitate uptake of green bonds should emphasize leadership on sustainability, collaboration between green bond issuers and investors, and active communication, high visibility, and thorough disclosure of sustainable finance activities. • Both Norway and Sweden are pioneers on green bonds, but the market has grown faster in Sweden. • Business culture and financial institutions are more focused on sustainability in Sweden. • Sweden has a larger and more diversified corporate sector. • Leadership on sustainability and issuer-investor collaboration will facilitate green bonds. • Active communication and high visibility of green bonds activities will stimulate the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is lacking on the process of identification and assessment of environmental aspects in an environmental management system (EMS) context. The aim of this paper is to contribute knowledge by identifying factors of importance for the process that can be used as a basis when developing existing methods for identification and assessment of environmental aspects. The empirical base is quantitative and qualitative data from 46 ISO 14001-certified or EMAS-registered organizations from three counties in Sweden. Problem areas are also identified through a review of the concept literature in the EMS area. Six important areas where the identification and assessment process can be improved are identified: the definition of environmental aspects, the procedures for update of aspects, the aggregation of aspects, the exclusion of business considerations in the assessment, employee and stakeholder participation, and the competence levels of people involved in the process. Since the empirical data is taken from Swedish organizations, the results of this study are valid for Swedish conditions and may not be valid for other countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current freight transport is highly dependent on fossil fuels and there is a need for a transition to alternative fuels and technologies. Biogas is a type of biofuel that has the potential to reduce climate emissions from freight transport, while providing additional benefits such as recycling of nutrients and increased energy security. This paper uses theories on the diffusion of green technologies to analyse the barriers and drivers for the increased use and diffusion of biogas in freight transport. The empirical focus is on the region of Västra Götaland in Sweden, and qualitative interviews have been conducted with demand-side actors such as transport buyers, haulage companies and vehicle manufacturers. The results confirm the important barriers observed in previous research, such as the higher costs of biogas, financial uncertainties and lack of infrastructure, as well as the interplay between barriers. The main drivers are an increased focus on sustainability both within the sector and from wider society, as well as the environmental properties of biogas. Specific barriers have also been identified such as a fragmented freight market structure with a mix of large and small transport companies, tight profit margins and reduced capacity for investments. There is also a division of labour and responsibilities between transport companies and transport buyers, which makes it unclear who will drive the transition to alternative fuels. In general, the study shows that the different types of uncertainty are perceived by the actors as being a significant barrier that needs to be better conceptualised in diffusion theory. [Display omitted] • Barriers and drivers for the diffusion of biogas in freight transport are analysed. • Case study on perceptions of demand-side actors in freight transport in Sweden. • Important barriers are higher costs, financial uncertainties and lack of infrastructure. • Important drivers are increased sustainability focus and environmental properties of biogas. • Uncertainty is a major barrier that should better conceptualised in diffusion theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism, and thereby hotels, play a crucial role in the European economy. The hotel sector features high energy consumption, which greatly contributes to the global warming effect. Thus, there is a need to investigate environmentally friendly technologies that have the potential to reduce energy usage within this sector. Information regarding the current status of the energy consumption in hotels is essential. Therefore, a study of 140 hotels in Norway and Sweden is presented in this paper to identify successful and sustainable measures to reduce energy consumption and related emissions. The energy use, available energy sources and thermal systems in the hotels are studied over a five-year period to identify consumption trends. The results reveal that 70% of the hotels have a mean annual energy consumption between 150 and 250 kWh/m2. A shift towards sustainable energy sources is observed in the hotels from 2015 to 2019, where application and overall consumption of district heating and cooling have increased, while electrical energy consumption has been reduced. District heating is the most prominent source of heating and is applied as the primary heat source in 70% of the hotels. The specific energy consumption for the group hotels that apply district heating is 218.9 kWh/m2/year, which is nearly 25% higher than the specific energy consumption of the 9% of hotels that apply heat pump solutions as a primary heat source. Thus, there is a potential to reduce the specific energy consumption in hotels. Two integrated transcritical carbon dioxide (CO 2) heat pumps were investigated as a sustainable measure to reduce energy consumption. The results reveal that a reduction of thermal energy consumption of approximately 60% can be achieved. • Energy analysis of 140 hotels in Norway and Sweden. • District heating and cooling in hotels increased by 18.0 and 10.9% from 2015 to 2019. • Hotels with heat pumps use 19.9% less kWh/m2 than hotels with district heating. • CO 2 heat pumps in hotels can reduce thermal energy consumption by about 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tackle water micropollutant pollution, the development of an advanced wastewater treatment is necessary and should be supported by an environmental evaluation to guide decision-makers. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied in the literature for several technologies and highlighted the variability of results (e.g. site-specific conditions) and the limited (eco-)toxicity benefits compared to additional operating impacts. In this study, the LCA of an activated carbon (AC) adsorption process based on a fluidized bed (limiting AC usage) was performed to determine its optimal operating conditions (dosage, use of micro-grain – μGAC or powder – PAC) and environmental benefits compared to the common ozonation process. This study was based on pilot processes installed at the Seine Centre treatment plant (France), using sensitivity analyses to identify the conditions for choosing a technology. For the seven scenarios (fluidized bed with 10 and 20 mg/L, both for PAC and μGAC; ozonation with 0.6 and 0.9 gO 3 /gDOC; and pre-ozonation combined with μGAC), the operational impacts generated (energy and material use) and the impacts avoided (micropollutant removal) were evaluated for climate change, freshwater ecotoxicity and human toxicity (USEtox characterization factors for micropollutants complemented with literature data). The LCA results showed that the fluidized bed process should preferably be operated with μGAC rather than PAC. The advantage of μGAC adsorption compared to ozonation is negligible but could nevertheless be significant in European countries with a significant share of coal-based electricity (i.e. all countries except Sweden and France). As in most of the previous works, the (eco)toxicity impacts avoided were found to be negligible, but other substances, such as hormones and oxidation by-products, should be further considered and characterized to better represent the treatment performances. The combination of ozonation and μGAC adsorption on a fluidized bed is a promising option to efficiently remove micropollutants, as well as oxidation by-products, while keeping the impacts generated within a reasonable range. This paper presented valuable results to support the eco-design of advanced wastewater treatment (both in terms of operating conditions and targeted substances) but should be complemented with large-scale evaluations (e.g. using consequential LCA) and better impact characterization of micropollutants. • Powder and micro-grain activated carbon (AC) in fluidized bed pilot were evaluated. • The use of micro-grain (μGAC) has lower environmental impacts than other AC types. • Its impacts are similar than ozonation process, tested in the same treatment plant. • Pre-ozonation and μGAC process is promising due to potential oxidation by-products. • Threshold values are provided to guide decisions depending on operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green public procurement can play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of societies. While its uptake is continuously growing, barriers to its use still remain. One barrier previously identified in literature is related to the lack of accessible and easy to use tools that help standardize the development of criteria in green tenders. In this paper, to help overcome this barrier, a method is presented that can be used to develop green public procurement tools that follow previous studies recommendations about including life-cycle assessment-based data and basing procurement criteria on national environmental objectives. The method was then applied to develop a procurement tool for green procurement of public transport services in Sweden based on the Swedish environmental quality objectives. Results from the assessment of 18 pre-defined fuel systems are shown together with an illustrative example of how the tool can be used in the process leading up to procurements to set relevant criteria and during the procurement to adjust incoming tender prices. The results showed that waste-based biomethane and hydrogenated vegetable oil systems were well aligned with the Swedish environmental quality objectives due to being able to contribute positively to several objectives. Crop-based biofuels, on the other hand, performed worse due to negative effects from agricultural practices. The performance of the electric vehicle systems depended in large on how the electricity was generated, where renewable sources and low carbon sources performed better than non-renewable alternatives. Image 1 • A method was developed to guide creation of green public procurement tools. • The method may help formulation of green procurement criteria. • The method was applied to develop a tool for public transportation in Sweden. • The tool assessed the environmental impact of 18 fuel systems. • Waste-based biofuels and electric fuel systems had the lowest environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sustainability plays a significant role in ensuring energy security, improving environment and promoting sustainable development of economic and social. This paper focuses on assessing and analyzing the sustainability and influencing factors of 27 EU countries' renewable energy. By DPSIR-Four-Dimensional indicators system, four sustainability dimensions of energy, economy, society and environment are considered and integrated. To deal with the randomness and fuzziness of multi-dimensional metadata, and to conduct assessment without standard, we develop a nonlinear multi-factor assessment model (projection pursuit fuzzy clustering model with accelerated genetic algorithm based on real coding). The results show that the CO 2 emissions, energy productivity, non-renewable energy emission intensity, energy dependence, electricity price and policy support are closer related to the renewable energy sustainability. The strongest sustainability countries are Denmark and Sweden. From the overall analysis, time-series analysis shows that general sustainable level is a wave of growth. The geographical analysis shows that the countries with better sustainable development are mainly located in the central region, showing a belt distribution from north to south. The Sustainability decreases from the middle to the sides. Image 1 • Applying a composite assessment model to analyze sustainability of renewable energy in 27 EU countries. • The model includes DPSIR, RAGA, projection pursuit and fuzzy clustering iterative analysis. • The model integrates energy, economy, society and environment aspects. • Denmark and Sweden rank highest in the renewable energy sustainability of EU. • The main influencing factors are CO 2 emissions, energy productivity and energy dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates performance of the current waste management system in the Nordic countries. The assessment is based on real data, whereas the composite indicators include waste generation, composting waste, recycling waste, landfilling waste, recycling rate, waste to the energy rate, and greenhouse gas emissions from waste. The comparison is done by recent multiple-attribute decision-making method, i.e. the best-worst method combined with the evaluation based on the distance from the average solution. Experts selected waste generation (0.26), greenhouse gas emissions from waste (0.21), rate and amount of recycling waste (0.142) as the most important indicators in the assessment. The comparative evaluation indicates that Sweden has the best waste management profile (0.9748), whereas the weakest performance was obtained for Iceland (0.2425). Sweden waste management profile presents strength in lower rate of waste generation per capita, greenhouse gas emission and landfilling section as compared to neighboring countries. The sensitivity analysis proves the robustness of our results in that Sweden's waste management performance is dominant in the Nordic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic (e−) invoices potentially enhance environmental sustainability in several stages from production of paper to its usage. This study investigates empirically to what extent a set of firm characteristics and external factors associate with the probability to send e-invoices and with the intensity of usage, based on a representative survey of approximately 1500 Swedish firms. An invoice is considered electronic when it is exchanged in an automated system between the buyer and the seller. The analysis includes firms with one employee or larger across all industries except, agriculture, fishery, forestry, public administration and defence. Descriptive statistics show that 42 per cent of the firms in 2016 send e-invoices. By use of a two-part model, estimation results reveal that both internal and external factors are associated with the e-invoice behaviour. The probability of adoption is significantly higher for firms with government sector clients and a large number of invoices. The intensity estimation exhibits a reverse pattern, where the number of e-invoices is most strongly associated with the invoice pattern. Another internal factor of importance for the extent of e-invoices is the level of labour productivity. Construction firms have the highest probability to adopt e-invoices and manufacturing firms scale-up the usage. Besides this, neither industry affiliation nor size-class is crucial. When size-class is estimated separately, it appears that medium-sized and large firms strongly associate their invoice adoption with type of client, while the extent of the activity is solely related to internal factors. For micro enterprises and small firms, kind of client is the most important aspect at all. • Electronic (e−) invoices potentially enhance environmental sustainability. • Still only two out of five firms e-invoice their clients to some extent. • Two-part model estimations employed. • Probability to send e-invoices mainly relates to external factors (government sector clients). • Intensity of e-invoicing primarily associated with internal factors. • Policy measures to increase e-invoicing possibly more effective on the demand side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing private car commuting is necessary for decarbonisation of cities; meanwhile, new shared mobility services provide an alternative to cars for daily commuting proposing a transition of user behaviour towards more sustainable mobility practices. In this paper, we investigate changes in everyday life practices when private car commuting is replaced with a shared mobility alternative, integrating lightweight small size electric vehicles (LEVs) in a peer-to-peer shared mobility service. Through a living lab experiment, a long-term empirical study with 16 individual households in Sweden was conducted employing a mixed methods approach. Using social practice theory as an analytical lens, we interrogate in depth the process of change in users' everyday lives to understand challenges in integrating shared mobility services into everyday practice, and the implications for transition towards sustainable mobility practices from a user's everyday life point of view. The results show that a new mobility service can play a role in reconfiguring the meaning of private car commuting in terms of its related impacts, as well as increase knowledge and trust in sustainable alternatives. However, integrating shared mobility services in everyday practices showed that it became difficult to manage after six months, particularly for users with children. Our study demonstrates that current everyday life logistics , time affluence , and effort requirements are critical variables for enabling practice changes towards more sustainable mobility alternatives, such as a light electric vehicle sharing service. To enable people to reduce private car use, a more integrated and systemic design approach is needed for alternatives to become competitive with the notion of cars in everyday mobility. • New shared mobility services disrupt everyday life user practices. • Changing mobility practices demands reorganisation of everyday life logistics. • User everyday life logistics are negotiated between new mobility system features. • Time affluence and efforts needed to carry out new mobility practices are critical. • An integrated design approach is suggested to bridge practices with new services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on diffusion-oriented innovation intermediaries ("diffusion intermediaries"), i.e. actors that function as brokers between technology adopters and the providers of resources needed to implement a new technology that is available more or less "off-the-shelf". It investigates how such actors create value for adopters of new technologies as well as the trade-offs they face. An interview-based, qualitative survey of 14 Swedish consultants and project developers involved in solar PV and wind power reveals that diffusion intermediaries create value mainly through technology transfer and coordination of various actors throughout the planning and implementation of turnkey projects. There is evidence of trade-offs related to value capture as well as between different value dimensions (e.g. between quality control and legitimacy). These findings have important implications for the design of strategies and policies to leverage value creation and handle trade-offs to avoid negative effects on projects, companies, and the overall diffusion of cleaner technologies. • Diffusion intermediaries create value through coordination and technology transfer rather than match-making. • Value capture trade-offs exist in relation to suppliers and clients. • Intermediaries prioritize between different values, which may impact implementation quality. • External sourcing of services increases trust and legitimacy but might require training of partners to secure quality. • Diffusion intermediaries contribute to sustainability transitions, but trade-offs can limit their usefulness for policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a top-down method for constructing databases of industrial waste generation profiles is presented. The method employs routinely reported statistical data for economic activities, which enables simple data acquisition and ensures capture of changes in production processes and waste generation. Quantified waste generation profiles following the EWC-stat nomenclature for 42 waste types were compiled into two EU databases, one for 12 sectors and the other for more than 200 industries. These were complimented with quantified factors on waste generation per employee for each sector. The relationship between amounts of waste generated and number of employees has been confirmed for each sector with statistical tests; this can be used to estimate waste quantities in other scenarios. The databases employ standard EU economic and waste nomenclatures, which are also similar to those used worldwide. Potential use scenarios include: evaluation of different geographic boundaries, such as industrial park, municipal, regional or national level; focus on expected types and quantities of waste generated by particular sectors and industries; or targeting particular types of wastes, the economic activities that produce them and the quantities generated. The latter scenario is illustrated in this paper by exploring potential for industrial symbiosis where waste streams from bio-based industries are used to produce biogas in the Västra Götaland region of Sweden. The developed method and databases could support the implementation of circular economy policies, including industrial symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweden and Japan are environmental leaders in their regions; however, Sweden has shown much better performance in the development of a circular economy. This paper suggests that different environmental discourses between the two countries help explain this gap. An actor-discourse analysis was conducted, taking the case of curbside collection systems. Results show that in Sweden, producers have physical and financial responsibility for collection and recycling while municipalities are responsible for planning and providing information. Economic incentives are well considered, and easy waste sorting at home is a shared norm, fostering systematic improvement of curbside collection systems and drastically increasing recycling rates. In Japan, in contrast, producers address recycling, municipalities do collection, and consumers cover sorting. The necessity of promoting consumer awareness of recycling is broadly accepted, but systematic thinking has not been introduced; as a result, primitive curbside collection systems remain mainstream in Japan, and it is not easy to sort waste at home. Thus, Sweden has favored economic rationalism while Japan administrative rationalism and, the former has been more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes how different backcasting scenarios for developments beyond traditional GDP growth 2050, in Sweden may fulfil a climate goal corresponding to keeping global warming to a maximum 1.5 °C with 50% likelihood. This corresponds to a 92% decrease of greenhouse gas emissions from Swedish consumption from today's level. The four scenarios illustrate different strategies: 1) collaborative economy, 2) local self-sufficiency, 3) automation for quality of life and 4) circular economy in the welfare state. The aim is to further hone and quantify the scenario narratives with a focus on greenhouse gas emissions occurring as a result of Swedish consumption, both private and public. The results show that the climate target can be met in all scenarios but this requires radical sector-specific as well as general changes, including decarbonisation, technology development, increased efficiencies, innovative practices and reduced demand. The mix of these strategies varies for different sectors and different scenarios, but all are needed to reach the climate goals. As we assume that Sweden is fossil-free 2050, particular areas of attention are diets, travel, emission intensities in other countries and the level of imports. Potential implications for other environmental goals, land use and biodiversity as well as the potential magnitude of negative emissions technologies, although uncertain and limited, that could offset some additional greenhouse gas emissions are discussed. • Four backcasting scenarios for Sweden can meet the 1,5 °C. climate target by 2050 (83). • Radical changes are needed in terms of consumption patterns and reduced demand (80). • Areas of attention are diets, transports, imports and global emission intensities (83). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]