Shows
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsE3: Voices from SCORAI - part 1: Behind the scenes with Matthias LehnerIn this episode, hosts Ella Alfredsson Jofs and Lilly Diamant discuss the SCORAI (Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative) conference which took place in Lund earlier this year. Join us as we discuss the behind the scenes of the conference with our colleague Matthias Lehner, Senior lecturer at the IIIEE and Conference Chair. We talk about what goes into planning a conference like SCORAI, challenges faced and how his research relates to the topic of sustainable consumption.2025-05-2935 minAdvancing Sustainable SolutionsE2: JustHeat: Researching the Swedish heating transition with Jenny von PlattenIn this episode host Philipp Montenegro talks with Jenny von Platten about her research as part of JustHeat research project exploring the social and cultural history of heating in Sweden. She also highlights her non-traditional qualitative research approach including art and her hopes for more transdisciplinary perspectives in research.Feel free to connect with Jenny on LinkedIn or to follow the project here on X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/justheatproject and here on the LU Research Portal.2025-03-3126 minAdvancing Sustainable SolutionsE1: Policies and Tools for Mainstreaming 1.5° LifestylesWhat is a more sustainable lifestyle, and what are strategies and motivations for living within the 1.5-degree target? In this episode, we explore barriers to making this switch and discuss policies that could increase acceptance. The EU 1.5 Lifestyles project, featuring researchers from the IIIEE, addresses these critical questions. Join us as we hear from Andrius Plepys, Anna Elfström, Jessika Richter, Matthias Lehner, Marianne Ekdahl, and Oksana Mont about their work, experiences, and reflections. They share valuable suggestions, such as finding others with similar motivations for adopting a more sustainable lifestyle as well as improved quality of live. You c...2025-02-2853 minAdvancing Sustainable SolutionsIntro to Season 5We are happy to announce a new team of podcasters at the IIIEE. Andrea, Ella, Lilly and Philipp are hosting Season 5 of Advancing Sustainable Solutions. In this short intro episode we introduce ourselves and discuss our upcoming episodes and topics and plan for the year. 2025-02-2608 min
Talking TransformationsFrom a technical to social focus: Lessons on Sustainability Entrepreneurship from Mexico - Talking Transformations with Jose CorvilloThe conversation revolves around the Transform project, a research initiative focused on sustainability entrepreneurship. The speaker, Jose, discusses the project's approach, key lessons, and challenges. Jose shares his experience working with small businesses in the Global South, highlighting the importance of community engagement and participation in sustainability initiatives. Jose highlights the importance of experimentation and testing new solutions in the field, which the Transform project has enabled.2024-12-1813 minTalking TransformationsKnocking on impacts and learning: Lessons on Sustainability Entrepreneurship from Sweden - Talking Transformations with Barry NessThe interview with Barry Ness, Director of Lund University's Center for Sustainability Studies, discusses his involvement in the Transform project and his work with sustainability experimentation. Barry shares his experiences with a regional brewery, where he has been working on a hydroponic hop growing experiment. The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create a more sustainable production process. Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the complexities of sustainability transformation and the need for collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.2024-12-1811 minTalking TransformationsBuilding the ship while sailing it: Lessons on Sustainability Entrepreneurship from the USA - Talking Transformations with Arnim WiekThe conversation revolves around the Transform project, a transdisciplinary solution-oriented sustainability project. The speaker, Arnim Wiek, shares his experiences and insights from working on the project. He highlights the importance of cooperation and collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. Arnim shares a specific example of sustainability entrepreneurship in small firms, focusing on cooperative business models: a new food cooperative in Phoenix, Arizona, that developed a Cooperative Food Business Development and Training Program. One of the key findings from the Transform project is the co-evolution of developing cooperative food businesses and building supporting infrastructure and services. He believes that this is...2024-12-1819 minTalking TransformationsA story of success and struggles: Lessons on Sustainability Entrepreneurship from Canada - Talking Transformations with Sarah BurchSarah Burch, a professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada, shares her insights on sustainability entrepreneurship in small firms, specifically highlighting the case of 100 Kilometer Foods. This organization is a food distributor that aims to build deep relationships with local, sustainable, and regenerative farms, connecting their products to chefs in Toronto. Their goal is to support regenerative agriculture and food retail in big cities. Overall, the case of 100 Kilometer Foods provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainability entrepreneurship in small firms, and highlights the importance of considering multiple aspects of sustainability in business practices.2024-11-2911 minTalking TransformationsSustainability Entrepreneurship - Talking Transformations with Sarah BurchIn this podcast mini-series, we talk with members of the TRANSFORM project, which is a vibrant global partnership helping to accelerate sustainability entrepreneurship in local spaces and cities. The TRANSFORM project works specifically with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to experiment with fundamentally transformative business models and practices. Music by 2024-11-2919 min
S2: Sustainably Speaking Beyond the AulaEpsiode 5: Yoga for Climate Anxiety - a Sustainability week event in LundOn this episode, we receive a IIIEE guest Emma Johnson, and we will dive into the topic of inner resilience and how to channel your energy to create outward change. She talks about the event she is organising with another researcher, Gustav Osberg, during the Sustainability Week in Lund. Their event is called “Yoga for Climate Anxiety and Building Inner Resiliency to Tackle Sustainability Challenges”. Emma will tell us more about her research, her relation to yoga and what will be discussed during the event.Find the link here to register to Emma’s and Gus...2024-04-0514 min
Lund University International PodcastFrom student to staff with Philipp MontenegroFor many international students, the prospect of becoming a researcher or teacher at Lund is an attractive one, but what can that journey actually look like in practice? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU International Office) is joined by former international student and LUMES graduate Philipp Montenegro, who now works for the University as a research assistant at the International Institution for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE). Philipp discusses his history as an international student at Lund, his interest in environment and sustainability, and the route he took in joining Lund University as a member of staff. He also...2023-11-1328 min
S2: Sustainably Speaking Beyond the AulaE5 - EMP & MESPOM Roundtable: The Miniseries FinaleFor the last episode of the first miniseries of Sustainably Speaking: Beyond the Aula, we are joined by current students of the EMP masters the IIIEE, who also happen to be two of the hosts for the upcoming series of the podcasts.As we hand over the torch of the first sustainability student-led podcast of Lund University, we discuss life in Lund, what made us interested in sustainability in the first place and the key characteristics and differences between the two programs hosted by the insti: EMP and MESPOM. W...2023-08-2130 minS2: Sustainably Speaking Beyond the AulaE1 – Rheanna Johnston: Thoughts on Clean Energy FutureWelcome to the first official episode of Sustainably Speaking: Beyond the Aula!In this episode, we are honored to have Rheanna Johnston as our very first guest. Rheanna is an expert in EU climate and energy policy and is a very active member of the IIIEE's alumni association, ExComm. Her passion for advocating for a clean energy future and a transition away from fossil gas has led her to work with E3G, a climate and energy think tank.Rheanna's experience in climate advocacy extends beyond her work with E3G. She has worked as...2023-05-1225 min
Just Go GrindSpecial: The VITALIZE Podcast - Clicking as Co-Founders, From Bad Idea to Goldmine, and Becoming Market Leaders in EV Charging, with Peter Barba and Zygi Zabieta of LectriumPeter Barba and Zygimantas (Zygi) Zabieta are the Co-Founders of Lectrium, a full-service platform for EV home charging on a mission to make every home EV-ready. They make the home charging installation process easy through their network of EVITP certified electricians. At Lectrium, they believe that true carbon neutrality can be achieved only if the transition to EVs is frictionless, and their ambition is to standardize and reduce the cost of the installation process and remove financial barriers for EV adoption. Peter Barba played Division 1 basketball in college and left his job in investment banking to attend Antler’s...2022-10-1141 minTalking TransformationsInnovation and Cities – Talking Transformations with Rogier Vandenberg (WRI Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities)Medals at the Olympics, the Oscars in Hollywood, Nobel Prizes for scientists – but what about an award for cities working with sustainability? In this episode, we discuss the ‘Prize for Cities’ recognising transformative projects in cities around the world that are igniting innovation on sustainability and climate action. We interview Rogier Vandenberg – the Global Director for the Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities at the World Resources Institute (WRI). He provides a host of insights into the purpose, ambitions and impact of the ‘Prize for Cities’.2022-10-0507 minTalking TransformationsTransport and Cities: Spotlight on India - Talking Transformations with Kunal Kumar (Pune Municipal Corporation)The Taj Mahal, Bollywood, and a cricket powerhouse. India means many things to many people. It is also a country of some 1.3 billion people where mitigation and adaptation to climate change is rising up the agenda. In this episode, we discuss transformative urban action in the City of Pune in India. We interview Kunal Kumar who is Additional Municipal Commissioner from the Pune Municipal Corporation in India. He focuses on how the City of Pune is working with transport and in particular public transport and electrification of transport.2022-09-2107 minTalking TransformationsNature and Cities: Spotlight on Africa - Talking Transformations with Ingrid Coetzee (ICLEI Africa)It’s time for Africa. A continent that is home to 1.2 billion people. But how are cities and communities responding to a changing climate and building resilience? In this episode, we discuss how cities in Africa are working with nature and biodiversity. We interview Ingrid Coetzee who is the Director of Biodiversity, Nature and Health at ICLEI Africa and the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center. She talks about a host of initiatives in Africa and lessons on how to connect biodiversity, nature, cities and communities.2022-09-2110 minTalking TransformationsResilience and Cities: Spotlight on USA - Talking Transformations with Angie Fyfe (ICLEI USA)The ‘Race to Zero’ emissions is here, where cities around the world have recognised the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. In this episode, we focus on cities within the USA, and the ‘Race to Zero’ as well as the ‘Race to Resilience’. We interview Angie Fyfe, the Executive Director of ICLEI USA. She provides insights into how cities in the USA are combating climate change and building resilience, and she talks about the type of leadership needed for transformation.2022-09-2110 minTalking TransformationsMissions and Cities: Spotlight on Europe - Talking Transformations with Matthew Baldwin (European Commission)The mission to the moon – an extraordinary achievement by humanity. But can we take that mission approach and apply it to cities? In this episode, we discuss the mission for 100 climate neutral cities in Europe by 2030. We interview Matthew Baldwin from the European Commission and the inaugural Mission Manager for the Mission on 100 Climate Neutral Cities. He gives a glimpse into the thinking behind the mission and how cities can harness collaborations, innovation and financing.2022-09-2108 minTalking TransformationsCollaboration and Cities - Talking Transformations with Pourya Salehi (ICLEI Research)We don’t just need action, we need informed action. That’s the ambition behind the global research and action agenda for cities. In this episode, we discuss collaborative urban research and what co-creating means in practice. We interview Pourya Salehi who is the Head of the Urban Research Team at ICLEI. He discusses the importance of informed decision-making, genuinely engaging cities in research processes, and the role of research for transformative climate action in cities.2022-09-2110 min
Talking TransformationsInnovation and Cities – Talking Transformations with Rogier Vandenberg (WRI Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities)Medals at the Olympics, the Oscars in Hollywood, Nobel Prizes for scientists – but what about an award for cities working with sustainability? In this episode, we discuss the ‘Prize for Cities’ recognising transformative projects in cities around the world that are igniting innovation on sustainability and climate action. We interview Rogier Vandenberg – the Global Director for the Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities at the World Resources Institute (WRI). He provides a host of insights into the purpose, ambitions and impact of the ‘Prize for Cities’.2022-09-2107 min
The VITALIZE Podcast: Venture Capital | Startups | Angel InvestingClicking as Co-Founders, From Bad Idea to Goldmine, and Becoming Market Leaders in EV Charging, with Peter Barba and Zygi Zabieta of LectriumJustin Gordon (@justingordon212) talks with Peter Barba (@pbarba_22) and Zygimantas (Zygi) Zabieta (@zzabieta), Co-Founders of Lectrium, a full-service platform for EV home charging on a mission to make every home EV-ready. They make the home charging installation process easy through their network of EVITP certified electricians. At Lectrium, they believe that true carbon neutrality can be achieved only if the transition to EVs is frictionless, and their ambition is to standardize and reduce the cost of the installation process and remove financial barriers for EV adoption.Peter Barba played Division 1 basketball in college and left his job...2022-08-1841 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsSustainable Business Model Design – Patterns to Make Sustainability WorkBusinesses are an essential driver for sustainability, yet managers struggle to make decisions about their business model that actually improve their sustainability performance. In this episode, we meet Florian Lüdeke-Freund, Henning Breuer, and Lorenzo Massa, authors of the new book called ‘Sustainable Business Model Design’. They introduce the concept of sustainable business model patterns, to support practitioners eager to make sustainability work in their business context. A sustainable business model pattern is knowledge based on experience, which includes a statement of a challenge, and a suggestion for a solution to address this challenge, with the deliberate aim of creating susta...2022-05-3044 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsIt’s not just a concept: a holistic approach to implement nature-based solutionsThere is a clear and urgent need to accelerate the implementation of sustainability solutions. We must move beyond simple conceptual understanding of solutions, instead experimenting with collaborators in contexts in order to improve effectiveness, share learnings with others, and avoid future mistakes that waste time.
In this episode, we discuss nature-based solutions as a holistic approach addressing the why, what, who, and how to achieve sustainability through integrating nature in cities. PhD Student Björn Wickenberg shares his latest research on implementing nature-based solutions, including his three strategies for urban planners. Finally, we discuss skills – collaboration, experimentation, evaluation, and learning – in or...2022-04-2545 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsGoals, targets, and indicators – Applying the Sustainable Development Goals in citiesToday, more than half of the world’s population live in cities, and by mid-century it is predicted that more than two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. This sees cities at the forefront of sustainability, needing to meet social needs within our ecological boundaries. An overarching guiding roadmap to consider sustainability is the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals - the SDGs. These 17 goals cover all aspects of sustainable development, and cities have an important role to play as more than half of the targets will need engagement from local and regional authorities in order to be ach...2022-03-2843 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsExploring the role of AI in sustainabilityArtificial intelligence - AI - is being applied throughout society to a wide array of sustainability-related challenges, where it can help to effectivize and optimize systems to save both energy and resources. AI can also be used to analyse enormous amounts of data, faster than any human ever could. However, AI is very energy demanding, and comes with ethical concerns as it may require sensitive data, as it may reinforce biases and prejudices, and as is it may also be used to mislead or misinform citizens.
So, let’s ask ourselves the question: what is the role of artificial intelligence in...2022-02-2851 min
Where Ideas Launch - Sustainable Innovation PodcastSystemic and Sustainable MobilityBefore Joining SYSTEMIQ, Tilmann worked with EY sustainability consulting and auditing - working for several globally leading corporations, smaller companies, and the German Government to support better transparency and trust in sustainability reporting. Previously he worked at Volkswagen Corporate Foresight, where he developed a Master Thesis on autonomous mobility for his masters degree. He also had experiences with German Development Association GIZ supporting a review of national parks Management of the Philippines and the DESERTEC Foundation. He holds degrees with distinction from University College Maastricht and IIIEE, Lund University. In this episode we talked about the journey to update our...2022-02-0128 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsRenewable Energy Adoption: Is current growth enough to meet future climate targets?Every year, the world adds more renewable energy production capacity than the year before. But, looking historically, is this growth enough to achieve our climate targets? According to a recent publication in ‘Nature Energy’, the short answer is “no” – to meet the climate goals requires decades of growth in renewables at rates higher than those observed historically in most countries. In this episode, we chat with two of the co-authors – Jessica Jewell and Aleh Cherp – about their research, which examined historical data among 60 countries, and modeled an average maximum growth rate of wind and solar of approximately 1% per year. However, this growth ra...2022-01-3147 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsDegrowth: Challenging infinite growth in a finite worldDegrowth is a critique of infinite economic growth, recognising continued consumption of scarce resources will inevitably result in exhausting them completely. In this episode, we present the challenges of living within an economic system governed by infinite growth on a planet with finite resources. We discuss key vocabulary to understand degrowth, and its three goals: 1) reduce environmental impact; 2) redistribute income and wealth equitably; 3) transition from a materialistic to an inclusive society. And, as this concept often evokes passionate debate, we acknowledge some of the critiques and implications surrounding the degrowth concept. Later in the episode, we are joined by Logan...2021-11-2348 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsCoping with Climate AnxietyAnxiety is a natural emotional response to stress, fear, or danger. Then, it is no wonder why some are experiencing anxiety in the face of the climate crisis. Although not a clinical diagnosis, climate anxiety – and related terms like eco-anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia – describes the distress, grief, or anger caused by environmental destruction occurring now, or presumed to occur in the future. In this episode, we explore this phenomenon further. We chat with Frida Hylander, a licensed psychologist, who meets with clients and works with young people experiencing climate anxiety. Also, we hear from staff and students at the IIIE...2021-09-2744 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsSharing Economy Business Models for SustainabilityThe sharing economy is not sustainable by default – search for images of bikesharing graveyards. But, with careful design of the business models that facilitate access over ownership, the sharing economy can increase intensity of use and material efficiency, contributing to sustainable consumption. In this episode, co-host Steven Curtis shares with us his research on sharing economy business models for sustainability. We chat with Oksana Mont, Professor of Sustainable Consumption Governance and principal investigator of the Urban Sharing research programme. Antony Upward – sustainability business architect and a self-proclaimed pracademic – also joins the podcast to discuss strongly sustainable and future-fit business models. This e...2021-05-3154 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsEvaluating for a Sustainability TransitionAll kinds of public policies are being proposed to address our climate and sustainability challenges, for example, emission standards, substance bans, aviation taxes, energy efficiency labels, and even communication campaigns. However, global carbon dioxide emissions keep going up! Are these policies working? Under what circumstance? And, at what cost to other systems in society? To answer these questions, we need policy evaluations to learn, to adapt, and to hold governments and organisations accountable to meet our sustainability goals. In this episode, we discuss policy evaluation for a sustainability transition, and how evaluators (and citizens) can think more holistically and integrate...2021-04-2644 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsThe "Brainy" Bunch: The journey of a PhD studentWhat happens when you take a bunch of people from different cultural and geographical backgrounds, ask them to integrate under one discipline or department, and share a profound and life-changing experience? In this episode, we unpack some of these stories as we look at the journey of a PhD Student at Lund University. We interview our colleagues Emma Johnson, who is at the start of her PhD journey, and Lucie Enochsson, who is about to graduate and defends her thesis in June. We also discuss with Martin Tunér, the Associate Dean at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering responsible for...2021-03-2944 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsSustainable Finance: Investing in Our FutureSustainable finance, non-financial disclosures, ESG, oh my! The world of sustainable finance may seem dark and scary. But, in this episode, we introduce many key concepts through dialogue as well as discuss how sustainable finance contributes to wider sustainability objectives. The finance sector is playing an ever growing role in supporting the transition to a Paris-aligned world by incorporating sustainability into their financial analysis and investment portfolios. We discuss these important trends within the sector, and share tips on how individuals may incorporate sustainable finance criteria into their portfolios, specifically, pension funds. We are joined by Emelia Holdaway, Policy Program...2021-02-2252 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsStorytelling for SustainabilityIf we want to imagine a more sustainable future, we need to be emotionally connected with that vision. Providing the latest facts and figures alone won’t do the trick. We suggest storytelling can be a great way to convey these facts in a compelling way to envision and connect with a possible future. Stories are an effective narrative device, because they activate areas of the brain responsible for memories, emotions, and critical thinking. As such, stories can be a powerful tool to engage, inspire, and imagine. In this episode, we consider the why, what, and how of storytelling. Why do...2021-01-2543 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsEnergy Communities: a transition towards a more just energy system?We use energy in almost every aspect of our lives. Yet, often, we do not know the source of electricity that powers our homes or heats our food. In this episode, we explore energy communities as a form of decentralised and democratic energy production. Community energy sees people coming together to take control of their energy needs, by finding alternative ways to organise and govern the energy system. For example, initiatives may focus on the energy generation via local energy cooperatives, distribution via local smart grids, or energy efficiency projects. But, how may energy communities support the transition to a...2020-12-1439 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsMissions - A Small Step, Or A Giant Leap?Missions are being discussed widely within the European Union and beyond as a tool to steer policy, innovation, and research. Similar to other missions – to the moon, to cure cancer, and to eradicate smallpox – the missions-oriented approach seeks to set bold and radical goals to tackle our pressing environmental and social challenges. In this episode, we discuss the missions-oriented approach for innovation and governance, and provide highlights from the City Futures Summit on the same topic, hosted in October 2020 by the IIIEE. We also discuss with Kes McCormick – associate professor at IIIEE and moderator of the Summit – as well as Li Stran...2020-10-2653 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsTips and Tools for TeleworkingWorking from home? We have you covered with several tips and tools for teleworking and virtual meetings. Building on decades worth of research and experience in teleworking for sustainability, we share with you some suggestions to make the sudden transition working from home easier. We discuss with Peter Arnfalk and Charlotte Leire their experience advising organisations and individuals on how to transition to working from a distance. For those that are fortunate to transition their work from the office to home, we hope this episode is meaningful to you. We also acknowledge so many others that have lost their jobs...2020-04-0651 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsResearch for Agenda 2030: Values of Our Economic SystemOur economic systems are shaken as a result of COVID-19 and the global impact the virus will have on individuals, organisations, and economies. Prior to the global pandemic, we recorded this episode to discuss ongoing research at Lund University about our economic systems to support the Sustainable Development Goals. In this episode, we collaborate with the Lund University Agenda 2030 Graduate School. Coordinator Kristina Jönsson and PhD Student Juan Ocampo join us to highlight the activities and research of the Graduate School to support Agenda 2030. We discuss complementary currencies as a community-tool to incorporate social and environmental values into our e...2020-03-1952 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsIntellectual Property Rights for SustainabilityWhat do sheep have to do with intellectual property rights for sustainability? In this episode, we explore the ‘tragedy of the commons’, which often justifies the introduction of property rights to support conservation and reduced environmental impact. However, when it comes to ‘innovations of the mind’, do property rights help or hinder the transition towards more sustainable economies? We sit down with IIIEE researchers Nancy Bocken and Roberto Hernandez to discuss the sustainability implications of closed, semi-open, and open intellectual property models. A fully closed model prevents the diffusion of sustainable solutions while a fully open model disincentivises innovation. So, what can...2020-02-1746 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsIt's not just a tree: a story about nature-based solutionsA tree is so much more than just a tree! Trees provide habitat to support biodiversity, remove carbon dioxide and particulate matter from our air, cool our cities during summers, and inspire enjoyment by all. A tree planted deliberately to provide any of these services is considered a nature-based solution. In this episode, we present the concept of nature-based solutions as an approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage stormwater in our cities. We meet Associate Professor Kes McCormick and PhD Researcher Björn Wickenberg, who share their research on nature-based solutions. Kes introduces us to a new online c...2020-01-2748 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsPolicies for a Circular Economy: Part 3Policies are needed to ensure a circular economy. In the final episode of our mini-series on the circular economy, we explore the role of policy and the need for research to ensure policies like the European Green Deal promote a circular economy for sustainability. We discuss the trade-offs of slowing resource loops and energy efficiency, for example, knowing when to exchange your LED lightbulb for a more energy efficient bulb? We talk to our colleague Carl Dalhammar who explains the policy field of the circular economy today and why policies should regulate the design of our products. Then, we sit...2019-12-1846 min
Getting In the Loop: Circular Economy | Sustainability | Closing the LoopCircular Business Models and Entrepreneurship in a Circular Economy with Katherine WhalenIt’s our last episode of 2019! Today I’m sharing an episode I recorded about circular business models with Steven Curtis and Sofie Sandin, two of my colleagues at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University. This episode originally appeared on the ‘Advancing Sustainable Solutions’ podcast that Sofie and Steven co-host at the IIIEE. I wanted to share it with you all because of the insight into circular business models! In the episode we address two main questions: What are circular business models?How can entrepreneurs contribute to the circular economy?As part of the la...2019-12-1640 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsCircular Resource Flows in Cities: Part 2The global population living in cities is expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. This trend in urbanisation will require massive amounts of infrastructure to be built from concrete and other natural and manufactured materials. In the second episode of our miniseries on the circular economy, we explore the business case for circular resource flows - such as concrete, wood, and glass - in the construction and building sector. We meet Associate Professor Yuliya Voytenko Palgan, who discusses why cities are so important in addressing our sustainability challenges. Then, we invite PhD Candidate Julia Nussholz as well as recent IIIEE Master’s gr...2019-11-1842 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsCircular Business Models for Sustainability: Part 1The circular economy is promoted by government and industry as an approach to reduce resource consumption while maintaining a high standard of living. In this episode, we explore circular business models that leverage strategies of closing, narrowing or slowing resource loops. This episode is the first of three episodes part of our mini-series on the circular economy. We invite PhD Candidate Katherine Whalen to join us to discuss her research on circular business models as well as her participation as a coach in C:/BOOT, an international coaching programme for circular entrepreneurs.2019-10-2136 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsJoining Forces for Sustainability: The value of interdisciplinary educationOur global sustainability challenges are complex and require partnerships and collaboration across disciplines and sectors. As such, as a society, we must value interdisciplinary perspectives and work together to address these challenges. In this episode, we discuss the value of interdisciplinary education to address our complex sustainability challenges. We share the experience from our two interdisciplinary Master's programmes as well challenge employers, educators, and students to consider the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.2019-09-2348 min
Advancing Sustainable Solutions“Is anyone listening?” Reflections on Evaluating Research ImpactThere is growing interest among funding agencies, governments, and society in general to understand the impact of research conducted within academia. However, evaluating research impact is tricky and finding as well as leveraging impact pathways can be daunting without first considering the desired impact early in the research planning process. This is especially relevant when considering sustainability research. We sit down with Master’s student Edward Dickinson to discuss his ongoing thesis research regarding research impact and knowledge dissemination. We provide listeners an overview of how research is funded, conducted and evaluated as well as call on all of us to...2019-05-2737 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsScooters, Sharing & SustainabilityGiven the global sustainability challenges that we face, we need new forms of production and consumption. However, will the sharing economy be a part of the solution? Or, part of the problem? In this month's episode, Sofie and Steven discuss the sharing economy broadly before elaborating on business models in the sharing economy. Speaking critically, they elaborate on aspects of the sharing economy that are more likely to lead to more sustainable consumption. They also interview Nancy Bocken - professor at the IIIEE in sustainable business management - as well as Ida Björling, Oskar Henriksson, Tove Lund, and Petter O...2019-04-2936 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsA Town Of Ice And FireKiruna, a small and industrious mining town in the arctic north of Sweden, is facing a unique challenge - the mine has expanded so far under ground that it is weakening the town’s foundations and will eventually pose a threat to inhabitants. City leadership and the mining company decided that much of the town would have to be demolished and moved. While many might see this as a problem, Kiruna instead sees an opportunity. “We have a unique situation that everybody actually should envy,” says Mats Nilsson, head of the Kiruna Sustainability Center. “We have a white piece of paper an...2019-03-2532 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsCrash Course On COP + Youth ActionGreta Thunberg, a 16-year-old young person from Sweden, has inspired a generation to take action on climate change. In this episode, we acknowledge and appreciate the actions of youth, like Greta, around the world in demanding action on climate change. Reflecting on our own experiences, fear and our own perceived lack of knowledge often hinders us. Therefore, together with guest host and Master's student Carmen Huidobro, we host a 'Crash Course on COP' to prepare and inspire youth to take action, specifically, in climate negotiations. In this episode, we interview Zsolt Bauer (Climate Reality Project EU) as well as Jamie...2019-02-2535 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsFlying Free in the New YearThere is growing urgency within the academic, political and public spheres to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to lessen or mitigate the impacts of climate change. To do so, many online are voicing their commitments by making a New Year’s Resolution to reduce their flying or to not fly at all in 2019. In this episode, we explore the reasons why many are making this New Year’s Resolution and provide suggestions to support those who wish to make similar pledges. We interview Jonas Sonnenschein, a PhD researcher who shares his findings about effective policy approaches from the field of b...2019-01-2830 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsGift-Giving This Holiday SeasonLike so many, have you waited until the last minute to buy gifts for your family and friends this holiday season?? In this episode, we will provide some specific suggestions for those among us still in need of gift ideas, which are also applicable for all gifting occasions. Furthermore, we will discuss with our colleagues, researching sustainable consumption, the notion of gift-giving, the obligation to do so in society, and how to return to more meaningful gift-giving.2018-12-1729 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsThe Circular Economy and YouIndividuals have their part to play in the transition towards a circular economy. In this episode, we will introduce the circular economy and strategies to facilitate a transition from our linear to a more circular economy. Furthermore, we visit a repair cafe and illustrate how you can extend product lifetimes. The episode is produced in connection to a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), called ‘Circular Economy: Sustainable Materials Management’, produced by the IIIEE together with European partners available on Coursera.2018-11-0828 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsExperimenting in the CityNew ways of governing our cities are emerging. Urban experimentation offers opportunities to test sustainability solutions in context and learn from these successes or failures. Citizen engagement and participation is a prerequisite. In this episode, we will discuss experimentation as a form of urban governance and suggest ways you can engage and participate in the governance of your city.2018-10-2236 minAdvancing Sustainable Solutions"What is Science?"... and its role in societyWhat is science? In this episode, we explore science in order to build a foundation for exploring sustainability research in future episodes. Then, we showcase a scientific workshop to illustrate the role fo science in supporting policy-makers.2018-09-2419 min
Advancing Sustainable SolutionsIntroduction to the Podcast!In this episode, will introduce listeners to the podcast 'Advancing Sustainable Solutions'. You will learn more about the hosts, our organisation, and our vision for the podcast.2018-09-1006 min