kth.sePublications
Change search
Link to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Alternative names
Publications (10 of 70) Show all publications
Höjer, M., Hongo, Y., Francart, N. & Kishita, Y. (2024). Measuring Space Efficiency and Estimating the Potential for Reduced Operational and Embodied Energy Use for Office Spaces. Sustainability, 16(1), Article ID 332.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Measuring Space Efficiency and Estimating the Potential for Reduced Operational and Embodied Energy Use for Office Spaces
2024 (English)In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 16, no 1, article id 332Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This paper explores how opportunities for reducing the total use of office space can be identified, investigates how the benefits in terms of energy savings from space efficiency measures could be calculated, and gives a first estimate of such values. A simple method to measure office space use is presented and tested at two university departments, and very low space efficiency is found. A variety of reasons for the low space efficiency are identified via interviews with property managers and heads of the concerned departments. These include the fact that the incentives for using space efficiently are small for the decision-makers, and the costs in terms of time and trouble are perceived as high. This suggests that interesting results can be achieved without large efforts. Moreover, we present a proof of concept of how to estimate the amount of energy that can be saved by reducing space use. We find a rough estimate of the potential energy savings of 2 MWh/m2 in embodied primary energy intensity (assuming that more efficient use of space leads to a decrease in new construction) and 200 kWh/m2/year in final energy intensity. Those numbers should be useful as rough estimates when looking at opportunities for saving energy by using space more efficiently.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI AG, 2024
Keywords
embodied energy, energy use, measuring space efficiency, occupancy observation, office buildings, semi-structured interviews, space utilization
National Category
Environmental Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-342374 (URN)10.3390/su16010332 (DOI)001140601900001 ()2-s2.0-85181951748 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20240122

Available from: 2024-01-17 Created: 2024-01-17 Last updated: 2024-02-05Bibliographically approved
Scaini, A., Mulligan, J., Berg, H., Brangarí, A., Bukachi, V., Carenzo, S., . . . Tompsett, A. (2024). Pathways from research to sustainable development: Insights from ten research projects in sustainability and resilience. Ambio
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Pathways from research to sustainable development: Insights from ten research projects in sustainability and resilience
Show others...
2024 (English)In: Ambio, ISSN 0044-7447, E-ISSN 1654-7209Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Drawing on collective experience from ten collaborative research projects focused on the Global South, we identify three major challenges that impede the translation of research on sustainability and resilience into better-informed choices by individuals and policy-makers that in turn can support transformation to a sustainable future. The three challenges comprise: (i) converting knowledge produced during research projects into successful knowledge application; (ii) scaling up knowledge in time when research projects are short-term and potential impacts are long-term; and (iii) scaling up knowledge across space, from local research sites to larger-scale or even global impact. Some potential pathways for funding agencies to overcome these challenges include providing targeted prolonged funding for dissemination and outreach, and facilitating collaboration and coordination across different sites, research teams, and partner organizations. By systematically documenting these challenges, we hope to pave the way for further innovations in the research cycle.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2024
Keywords
Climate change adaptation; Knowledge co-creation; Knowledge transfer; Resilience; Sustainable development goals; Upscaling
National Category
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-343424 (URN)10.1007/s13280-023-01968-4 (DOI)
Funder
Swedish Research Council, 2016-06359Swedish Research Council, 2016-06355Swedish Research Council, 2016-06297Swedish Research Council, 2016-06300Swedish Research Council, 2016-06327Swedish Research Council, 2016-06329Swedish Research Council, 2016-06334Swedish Research Council, 2016-06289Swedish Research Council, 2016-06313Swedish Research Council, 2016-06389Stockholm University
Note

QC 20240215

Available from: 2024-02-13 Created: 2024-02-13 Last updated: 2024-02-15Bibliographically approved
Lange, S., Santarius, T., Dencik, L., Diez, T., Ferreboeuf, H., Hankey, S., . . . Staab, P. (2023). Digital Reset: Redirecting Technologies for the Deep Sustainability Transformation. oekom verlag
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Digital Reset: Redirecting Technologies for the Deep Sustainability Transformation
Show others...
2023 (English)Book (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Time seems out of joint. The world society has experienced a centennial pandemic, the global thermometer has displayed a sequence of hottest years on record, and Russia's war on Ukraine has shattered political order. Unsurprisingly, the economy is severely affected. 

Governments worldwide hope that digital technologies can provide key solutions. Yet this report shows that digitalisation, in its current and mainstream form, is rather aggravating than solving many of the pressing social and environmental crises at hand. What is needed instead is a deep sustainability transformation  that fundamentally reorganises the economy and all its sectors - agriculture, mobility, energy, buildings, industry, and consumption. 

The Report »Digital Reset« shows how digital technologies can support the quest for such a deep sustainability transformation. The report provides a blueprint for the European Union on how to reconceptualise digitalisation so that it first and foremost contributes to achieving carbon neutrality, resource autonomy and economic resilience while supporting equity and fully respecting citizen's rights and privacy. 

The report is the outcome of a two-year international science-policy dialogue, »Digitalization for Sustainability« (D4S), and presents an up-to-date comprehensive analysis of opportunities, risks and governance options regarding digitalization and sustainability.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
oekom verlag, 2023. p. 104
Keywords
Digitalisering, Hållbar utveckling
National Category
Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Research subject
Planning and Decision Analysis, Strategies for sustainable development
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-324622 (URN)10.14512/9783987262463 (DOI)978-3-98726-022-3 (ISBN)
Note

QC 20230314

Available from: 2023-03-08 Created: 2023-03-08 Last updated: 2023-03-14Bibliographically approved
Santarius, T., Dencik, L., Diez, T., Ferreboeuf, H., Jankowski, P., Hankey, S., . . . Staab, P. (2023). Digitalization and Sustainability: A Call for a Digital Green Deal. Environmental Science and Policy, 147, 11-14
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Digitalization and Sustainability: A Call for a Digital Green Deal
Show others...
2023 (English)In: Environmental Science and Policy, ISSN 1462-9011, E-ISSN 1873-6416, Vol. 147, p. 11-14Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The relation between digitalization and environmental sustainability is ambiguous. There is potential of various digital technologies to slow down the transgression of planetary boundaries. Yet resource and energy demand for digital hardware production and use of data-intensive applications is of substantial size. The world over, there is no comprehensive regulation that addresses opportunities and risks of digital technology for sustainability. In this perspective article, we call for a Digital Green Deal that includes strong, cross-sectoral green digitalization policies on all levels of governance. We argue that a Digital Green Deal should first and foremost aim at greater policy coherence: Current digital policy initiatives should include measures that service environmental goals, and environmental policies must address risks and advance opportunities of digital technologies to spur sustainability transformations.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV, 2023
Keywords
Digitalization, ICT for Sustainability, Internet governance, Technology policy, Sustainability policy making
National Category
Environmental Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-331241 (URN)10.1016/j.envsci.2023.04.020 (DOI)001011643600001 ()2-s2.0-85160596905 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20230707

Available from: 2023-07-07 Created: 2023-07-07 Last updated: 2023-07-07Bibliographically approved
Erlandsson, J., Bergmark, P. & Höjer, M. (2023). Establishing the planetary boundaries framework in the sustainability reporting of ICT companies-A proposal for proxy indicators. Journal of Environmental Management, 329, Article ID 117032.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Establishing the planetary boundaries framework in the sustainability reporting of ICT companies-A proposal for proxy indicators
2023 (English)In: Journal of Environmental Management, ISSN 0301-4797, E-ISSN 1095-8630, Vol. 329, article id 117032Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The Planetary Boundaries framework provides a holistic view of Earth's resilience by defining boundaries of a safe operating space for humanity and measurable control variables that describe the state of the Earth-system processes. Humanity is altering these processes, which has resulted in the transgression of several Planetary Boundaries. Researchers have downscaled the Planetary Boundaries framework onto smaller settings, yet its implementation on a company scale is rare and even more so when considering corporate sustainability reporting. In an attempt to assist ICT companies in identifying their negative impact on the Earth-system processes, this paper explores how the Planetary Boundaries framework can be integrated to complement current Information and Communication Technology (ICT) corporate sustainability indicators. The purpose is to define reportable company-scale proxy indicators (hereinafter 'proxies') based on the Planetary Boundary control variables, to assist companies in monitoring how impacts related to the Earth-system processes change over time. Based on data collected through an extensive literature review and interviews, sixteen reportable proxies are defined. The applicability of these proxies is also tested using one ICT company as a test case. The test case concludes that the current reporting practices of the studied ICT company are sufficient for two of the proxies but require minor or major refinements for the remaining ones. The deliverables of this study can assist in establishing corporate policies and aid companies to measure and follow up on the environmental impacts associated with the Planetary Boundaries framework over time. Moreover, this study does not address the downscaling of the safe operating space associated with the different boundaries, since defining such spaces for a specific company is not possible at this point. Therefore, applying the suggested proxies would not determine whether a company is operating within a fair and reasonable share of the safe operating space but rather indicate how its impacts develop over time.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV, 2023
Keywords
Planetary boundaries, Sustainability reporting, Proxies, Environmental indicators, ICT companies, Information and communication technologies
National Category
Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-323592 (URN)10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117032 (DOI)000912225900001 ()36571951 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85145609914 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20230208

Available from: 2023-02-08 Created: 2023-02-08 Last updated: 2023-02-08Bibliographically approved
Berg Mårtensson, H., Larsen, K. & Höjer, M. (2023). Investigating potential effects of mobility and accessibility services using the avoid-shift-improve framework. Sustainable cities and society, 96, 104676-104676, Article ID 104676.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Investigating potential effects of mobility and accessibility services using the avoid-shift-improve framework
2023 (English)In: Sustainable cities and society, ISSN 2210-6707, Vol. 96, p. 104676-104676, article id 104676Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Mobility services and accessibility services could contribute to reduced car-dependency and a more sustainable transport system. However, uncertainty remains regarding what the effects will be and further research is needed. In this paper we examine potential effects on passenger car-travel in an urban context. To do so, we actuate the Avoid-Shift-Improve (ASI) framework using a System Dynamics approach and develop thematic Causal Loop Diagrams. We draw on the findings from a literature study and workshops engaging actors involved in creating visions and planning for the future of mobility and accessibility services in Stockholm, Sweden. The effects discovered are categorized as direct, enabling and structural/systemic, using a retrofitted version of the Three-Levels Model. Contributions include the mapping of mechanisms through which the services can have positive and negative effects in relation to ASI, demonstrating a high degree of interconnectedness. This includes potential synergetic and competitive relations between the services. In addition, the approach gives insight to potential cumulative impact of the services, relatable to Mobility as a Service, including ‘user near’ effects regarding, e.g., commuting and leisure travel, as well as systemic and structural level effects. A discussion is conducted on the implications for actors and policy-makers.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV, 2023
Keywords
Mobility service, Accessibility service, Mobility as a service, Sustainable urban mobility, Avoid-shift-improve, Car travel, Climate change, Environmental sustainability, System dynamics, Three-levels model of effects
National Category
Transport Systems and Logistics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-328175 (URN)10.1016/j.scs.2023.104676 (DOI)001011588700001 ()2-s2.0-85160727698 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Mistra - The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research
Note

QC 20230706

Available from: 2023-06-03 Created: 2023-06-03 Last updated: 2023-07-06Bibliographically approved
Bieser, J. C. T. & Höjer, M. (2022). A Framework for Assessing Impacts of Information and Communication Technology on Passenger Transport and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. In: Wohlgemuth, V Naumann, S Behrens, G Arndt, HK (Ed.), Advances And New Trends In Environmental Informatics: A Bogeyman Or Saviour For The Un Sustainability Goals?. Paper presented at 35th International Conference on Environmental Information and Communication Technologies (EnviroInfo), SEP 27-29, 2021, Berlin, GERMANY (pp. 235-253). Springer Nature
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A Framework for Assessing Impacts of Information and Communication Technology on Passenger Transport and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
2022 (English)In: Advances And New Trends In Environmental Informatics: A Bogeyman Or Saviour For The Un Sustainability Goals? / [ed] Wohlgemuth, V Naumann, S Behrens, G Arndt, HK, Springer Nature , 2022, p. 235-253Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Information and communication technology (ICT) provides unprecedented opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger transport by avoiding, shifting or improving transport. Research on climate protection through ICT applications in passenger transport mainly focuses on theoretical potentials, is assuming that digitalmobility services replace GHG-intensive transport modes (e.g. car travel), and does not specify the conditions under which decarbonization potentials will materialize. It is known that digitalmobility services can also take a complementary (as opposed to substituting) role in travel or replace non-motorized travel, which can increase GHG emissions. Based on existing literature, we develop a conceptual framework to guide qualitative and quantitative assessments of the relationship between ICT use, passenger transport and GHG emissions. The framework distinguishes three types of effects: (1) First-order effects, GHG impacts of producing, operating and disposing the ICT hardware and software, (2) second-order effects, impacts of ICT on properties of transport modes, transport mode choice and travel demand, and (3) third-order effects, long-term structural changes due to ICT use (e.g. residential relocation). We qualitatively demonstrate the framework at the example of automated driving and discussmethodological challenges in assessments of ICT impacts on passenger transport such as the definition of system boundaries, consideration of socio-demographic characteristics of individuals and the inference of causality. The framework supports researchers in scoping assessments, designing suitable assessment methods and correctly interpreting the results, which is essential to put digitalization in passenger transport at the service of climate protection.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2022
Series
Progress in IS, ISSN 2196-8705
Keywords
Digitalization, Climate, Travel, Passenger transport, Mobility
National Category
Transport Systems and Logistics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-325218 (URN)10.1007/978-3-030-88063-7_15 (DOI)000930816600015 ()
Conference
35th International Conference on Environmental Information and Communication Technologies (EnviroInfo), SEP 27-29, 2021, Berlin, GERMANY
Note

QC 20230403

Available from: 2023-04-03 Created: 2023-04-03 Last updated: 2023-04-03Bibliographically approved
Santarius, T., Bieser, J. C. T., Frick, V., Höjer, M., Gossen, M., Hilty, L. M., . . . Lange, S. (2022). Digital sufficiency: conceptual considerations for ICTs on a finite planet. Annales des télécommunications
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Digital sufficiency: conceptual considerations for ICTs on a finite planet
Show others...
2022 (English)In: Annales des télécommunications, ISSN 0003-4347, E-ISSN 1958-9395Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

ICT hold significant potential to increase resource and energy efficiencies and contribute to a circular economy. Yet unresolved is whether the aggregated net effect of ICT overall mitigates or aggravates environmental burdens. While the savings potentials have been explored, drivers that prevent these and possible counter measures have not been researched thoroughly. The concept digital sufficiency constitutes a basis to understand how ICT can become part of the essential environmental transformation. Digital sufficiency consists of four dimensions, each suggesting a set of strategies and policy proposals: (a) hardware sufficiency, which aims for fewer devices needing to be produced and their absolute energy demand being kept to the lowest level possible to perform the desired tasks; (b) software sufficiency, which covers ensuring that data traffic and hardware utilization during application are kept as low as possible; (c) user sufficiency, which strives for users applying digital devices frugally and using ICT in a way that promotes sustainable lifestyles; and (d) economic sufficiency, which aspires to digitalization supporting a transition to an economy characterized not by economic growth as the primary goal but by sufficient production and consumption within planetary boundaries. The policies for hardware and software sufficiency are relatively easily conceivable and executable. Policies for user and economic sufficiency are politically more difficult to implement and relate strongly to policies for environmental transformation in general. This article argues for comprehensive policies for digital sufficiency, which are indispensible if ICT are to play a beneficial role in overall environmental transformation. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2022
Keywords
Degrowth, Economic growth, Green IT, ICT for sustainability, Rebound effects, Sustainable production and consumption, Sustainable software, Application programs, C (programming language), Digital devices, Economics, Energy efficiency, Green computing, Circular economy, Economic growths, Net effect, Production and consumption, Rebound-effect, Sustainable consumption, Sustainable production, Sustainable softwares, Sustainable development
National Category
Telecommunications
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-323800 (URN)10.1007/s12243-022-00914-x (DOI)000794105500001 ()37593439 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85129820562 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20230213

Available from: 2023-02-13 Created: 2023-02-13 Last updated: 2023-09-21Bibliographically approved
Bieser, J. C. T., Höjer, M., Kramers, A. & Hilty, L. M. (2022). Toward a method for assessing the energy impacts of telecommuting based on time-use data. Travel Behaviour & Society, 27, 107-116
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Toward a method for assessing the energy impacts of telecommuting based on time-use data
2022 (English)In: Travel Behaviour & Society, ISSN 2214-367X, E-ISSN 2214-3688, Vol. 27, p. 107-116Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Most telecommuting (TC) studies focus on travel impacts and do not consider changes in time spent on non-travel activities (e.g. 'leisure') and the energy impacts of these changes. We demonstrate a time-use approach to assess interrelations between changes in commuting time and time spent on travel and non-travel activities and associated energy impacts. Time-use data analysis shows that spending less time on commuting is associated with more time spent on 'sleep', 'leisure', 'personal, household and family care', 'private travel' and 'eating and drinking'. Substituting car commuting with 'sleep', 'eating and drinking', common 'leisure' and 'personal, household and family care' activities is likely to reduce energy requirements as these are associated with less energy requirements than car commuting. This is different for 'private travel', 'meal preparation at home', and energy-intensive or out-of-home 'leisure' activities, which are associated with relatively high energy requirements. The commute modal split is a key variable in energy impacts of TC, because transport modes differ in their energy requirements. While car commuters can realize high energy savings through TC, for people who usually bike or walk to work, direct energy savings through reduced commuting are zero. Thus, any additional energy impact due to substitute activities, increases net direct energy requirements. Future research should further investigate the relationship between TC and time spent on (non-)travel activities and the marginal energy requirements of these activities. If so, the time-use approach can become key for assessing energy impacts of TC and other applications which impact individual time allocation.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV, 2022
Keywords
Time use, Telecommuting, Home office, Energy consumption, Time rebound effect
National Category
Human Geography
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-311549 (URN)10.1016/j.tbs.2021.12.002 (DOI)000777877200003 ()2-s2.0-85121928623 (Scopus ID)
Note

QC 20220429

Available from: 2022-04-29 Created: 2022-04-29 Last updated: 2022-06-25Bibliographically approved
Åkerman, J., Finnveden, G., Gunnarsson-Östling, U., Höjer, M. & Kamb, A. (2021). Alla stora investeringar i infrastruktur måste leda till minskade utsläpp. Dagens Nyheter (20210525)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Alla stora investeringar i infrastruktur måste leda till minskade utsläpp
Show others...
2021 (Swedish)In: Dagens Nyheter, ISSN 1101-2447, no 20210525Article in journal (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.)) Published
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-296991 (URN)
Note

QC 20210616

Available from: 2021-06-13 Created: 2021-06-13 Last updated: 2023-12-07Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-5327-6535

Search in DiVA

Show all publications