When I was asked about my own definition of sustainability, it made me realize how we possess different expectations and standards toward sustainability. I also noticed that these factors are largely influenced by country which we represent. It is interesting to compare how different countries position and approach sustainability. I have decided to conduct a research on Sweden; one of the country which is known as the most sustainable according to World Economic Forum.
Sweden’s movements toward sustainability had begun in the 90s’ when majority of other countries were still not aware of the global impact of environmental issues to our planet. Early movements focused on fuel and energy. In 1990, Sweden started a program known as district heating which allows major cities to control and provide heating more efficiently and ecologically. Furthermore, this environment conscious nation started to impose higher carbon tax rate in 1995. As a result, Sweden’s carbon tax revenue almost doubled compared to OECD average; which induced people to use less fuel. On top of long term sustainability projects, Sweden is also known for its expenditure on R&D which represents 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2013; the fourth highest percentage among OECD countries according to Swedish government’s website. investments allowed Sweden to become one of the leading nation in the field of sustainability innovation.
In addition, it is not only the government, but also people who are aware of the importance of sustainability. For many Swedish, focus on sustainability have become their lifestyle. As a fact, according to , almost half of the population (40%) purchases eco-labeled foods and products which is much higher ratio than the European average. A single passage on Swedish government website caught my eyes;
“Growing while sustaining”
As we learned in class, growth/profitability and sustainability are often considered to be on the other side of the table. Even for Sweden, we realize that “change” cannot take place overnight. However, it is evident that all the efforts Sweden has put into sustainability has been paying off, making them the most sustainable country in the world. Rest of the world should learn from Sweden’s success, focus on limitations of the planet and start thinking about sustainability more seriously. I am excited to explore and learn from others “sustainability” from different perspectives and how “marketing” can play a big role in it.
Shang Yu (Angela) Liu
October 4, 2017 — 10:11 pm
It is always inspiring to see that a government recognizes the importance of sustainability and integrate it into policy-making to make a national-wide effort to help leaving less footprint on this planet. Your research on the Swedish government in developing the district heating program reminds me of a small German village called Feldheim – a village that is 100% powered by renewable wind energy. It is absolutely astonishing to see a village that is entirely energy self-sufficient. What is even more impressive is that now they are working on installing more renewable energy power sources to provide energy for nearby areas and building their own batteries to store the energy for emergency, which will supply the whole village for up to 2 days!
TessDavies
October 18, 2017 — 2:43 pm
Hi Emi,
Great work on this post, interesting perspectives and a good place to set yourself up for the rest of the posts. One thing to consider adding would be photos and even some questions to help frame your classmates response.
As we are almost halfway through the semester I would urge you to get posting! Things always get condensed as the term goes on and I am excited to read more of your posts.
Happy posting,
Tess
pavani19
November 2, 2017 — 9:56 pm
Hi,
It gives me pleasure to see that countries like Sweden is taking steps towards sustainability and the government is integrating policies to ensure that the nation is making an effort to help leaving less footprint on this planet.
This post reminds me of that Sweden is also focusing on ensuring a zero waste policy. More than 99% of all household waste is recycle in some way or another, considering that only 38 per cent of household waste was recycled in 1975.
AlejandraGuerreroGonzalez
November 20, 2017 — 4:46 pm
Hi!
To know all the steps Sweden is taking as a country to overcome global warming is pretty amazing! I have always admired the country for many of its social policies and now I am learning it is also great when it comes to sustainability.
I believe many countries could learn from Sweden. I would love to see some of these measures applied and developed in Mexico. Hopefully governments start to develop more laws to protect the environment and encourage their citizens to preserve the world as we know it.