Project

Unintended consequences of implementing a sustainability strategy

Involved Institutes HF Institute of Wood Research

Careers in Sustainability Execellence (CASTLE); WP R3 Sustainable Companies and Products

Careers in Sustainability Excellence (CASTLE) educates sustainability experts for the bio-based economy. The project is a Marie Curie Integrated Network with 14 young researchers working in related projects across Europe.

Background and Objective

Careers in Sustainability Excellence (CASTLE) combines scientific innovative problem-oriented research and practical training for young academics on methods used for sustainability impact assessments in the bio-energy and forest-based sector in Europe. CASTLE aims to create sustainability experts for the broader bio-based economy. WP R3 focuses on the application of Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) methods and tools for improving company sustainability performance and communication of sustainability impacts of company practices and products.

Approach

This research aims to determine the significance for business of unintended consequence from implementing their sustainability strategy. A case study will be completed by investigating how business in the timber and bioenergy sector response to the risk of unintended land use change. Through a review and case study the research will determine to what extent business leaders perceive and respond to unintended consequences (specifically in the timber and bioenergy sector). Finally, the project should point to how business leaders could be more effective in managing for unintended consequences from their sustainability strategies.