Rationales for sustainable consumption on a local level

This report discusses the main findings from the Unlock project: Understanding local government drivers for sustainable consumption. The aim of Unlock was to contribute with new knowledge on the role of Swedish municipalities in supporting and delivering sustainable consumption at the local level, as well as analyze barriers and opportunities for this work. This report highlights a number of recommendations for measures and strategies to strengthen municipalities’ efforts on sustainable consumption, and thereby also Sweden’s opportunities to establish a more sustainable society. This report addresses three main research questions:

1. What characterizes municipalities’ work on sustainable consumption today? That is, which areas of consumption are in focus and which policy instruments and measures are used?
2. How do the municipalities perceive their role and their opportunities to promote sustainable consumption within the scope of their own activities, as well as towards residents and companies?
3. How do the municipalities use data and indicators in the work with sustainable consumption and what needs are identified?