Transformative change through local networks - A case study on the ‘Local Roadmap for a Climate Neutral Building & Construction Industry 2030’ in Malmö, Sweden

Abstract: With rapid urbanization and an increasing share of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from cities, low-carbon urban transformations are critical for mitigating climate change. Local climate networks have been recognized for their potential to govern such activities. However, less is known about how such networks are implemented and managed as well as their capacity to accelerate transformative change. As previous research indicates, the potential of local networks for emission reductions in cities is relatively unknown. This thesis aims to address this research gap by exploring how local networks contribute to transformative change on the urban scale. This was done by conducting an in-depth case study on a local network within the building and construction sector in Malmö, Sweden: “Local Roadmap for a Climate Neutral Building & Construction Industry in Malmö 2030” (LFM30). A framework based on four central concepts of Transition Management – collaboration, shared vision, experimentation, and learning – was applied to guide the research. Through a qualitative content analysis, based on material from eleven semi-structured interviews and relevant documents and media files, it was found that LFM30 demonstrates many capacities identified as necessary to drive transformative change. This includes providing an arena for interaction and collaboration, building a common direction and joint goals, unlocking new funding possibilities, and stimulating learning and knowledge sharing. The results also show that the LFM30 network has influenced its members to ramp up their own climate efforts, including adopting stricter climate targets and recruiting new competence, but the degree to which this is happening is difficult to determine. Further, this thesis finds that new challenges emerge in network settings, which need to be acknowledged and dealt with. This includes to ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders and to establish effective practices for monitoring and evaluating actions taken by network members.