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Item Supporting Climate Neutrality of Non-State Actors and Private Businesses: The Case of the Climate Neutral Now Initiatives(2023-10-06) Suera, GiacomoIn tackling the systemic threat of climate change, non-state actors have been acknowledged as a critical source of potential for climate action, leading to the adaptation of international governance to accommodate international voluntary initiatives. Building upon the expanding academic literature assessing non-state actors’ climate action, it is crucial to evaluate to what extent initiatives are able to support their participants in achieving mitigation targets. In this regard, this research focuses on the case study of the Climate Neutral Now initiative orchestrated by the UNFCCC secretariat, assessing how the initiative has aimed at providing support to its participants through its mechanisms and overall design. Subsequently, the study provides for the identification of the most relevant barriers and enablers that participants encounter along their journey towards climate neutrality. The findings retain significant empirical implications, as they lead to recommendations on how similar initiatives could strengthen their support and overall design to address the needs of their participants. The related analysis is based on a combination of governance and social psychological theories, leading to an overall theoretical framework which is implemented through complementary methodologies for data collection including desk research, database analysis, semi-structured interviews, as well as the deployment of a survey.Item Moving the needle in the revitalization of High Streets: Commercial Landowners and Urban Vitality(2024-05-06) Topalidis, SavvasThe traditional High Street, once the heart of local communities and the urban core, faces decline due to contemporary and transformative socio-cultural changes. This study explores Commercial Landowner Responsibility (CLR) principles as a means to enhance an indicator known as urban vitality at High Street locations. CLR involves real estate corporations going beyond legal obligations to support vibrant, socially sustainable High Streets. By analyzing stakeholder needs and interventions, the research shows how commercial landowners can empower urban revitalization, benefiting society and adding value to their commercial operation. A qualitative approach, including stakeholder analysis, a case study and extensive literature review, demonstrates the theoretical and practical impact of CLR to urban vitality. At its core, the study challenges the notion that urban revitalization is solely the public sector's responsibility, highlighting the fundamental role of private entities to the urban future.Item Being Red and Green. A policy arrangement analysis of the drivers of energy policy at Nottingham City Council.(2024-04-30) Bull, KatrinaA policy arrangement analysis of the drivers of energy policy at Nottingham City Council This thesis is an exploration of the drivers behind the carbon-neutral energy policy choices of Nottingham City Council – one of the few cities in the world to be on target to be carbon-neutral in 2028. The research joined three theoretical frameworks often used to delve into policy choices: Leroy and Art’s Policy Arrangements Approach, supported by Sabatier’s Advocacy Coalition Framework and Meijerink and Stiller’s Leadership Functions. These theories concentrate on the role of actors, actor coalitions and their beliefs, within Nottingham’s energy policy. The overall conclusion of the thesis is that Nottingham has a history of rebellious leaders and that this history weighs heavily on the city. Believing in ‘doing the right thing’, coupled with the discourse around poverty and a healthy amount of competitivity means that city leaders design energy policy that will have a positive impact on residents' lives. It is because of poverty, not despite of it that Nottingham is ‘green’. The national and local rules do have an impact on policy choices but local policymakers are the main influencing driver. Katrina E.M BullItem From Legislation to Practice: Crafting a Blueprint for Participation in Project Procedures(2024-04-24) Mulders, JitseOn July 14 2023, the First Chamber in the Netherlands agreed with the implementation of the environmental act on the 1st of January 2024. Participation is one of the main principles in this act. However, the description lacks of specificity, causing organisations to struggle finding the right approach and strategy on involving participants. This research combines the project procedure under the new act and participation. The main goal is to determine What key considerations should be taken into account by organisers when planning participation in the initial phases of a project procedure under the New Environmental Act? Building on academic literature and relevant discourses on participation, the research uses content analysis on the notification of participation in the early stages of the project procedure and the new act, semi-structured interviews with clients and contractors to gather insights for organising participation in the future. Examples of identified key considerations are the local context, inflexibility between clients and contractors and facilitating a careful process. The difference in what is mandatory and what is possible creates new opportunities for organisations to expand their participation strategies with new approaches. The most important consideration is that a thought-through process will lead to the desired outcome.Item Unravelling Leadership Dynamics in an Alternative Food Network(2024-03-22) Pelders, PascalAlternative Food Networks (AFNs) are recognized as potential catalysts for change, yet current sustainability transition scholarship often overlooks the role of agency and actors within these networks. To address this gap, the study employs Social Practice Theory (SPT) to examine leadership dynamics within an AFN. Through qualitative case study methods, including interviews and observations, it reveals a dynamic, shared approach to leadership that fosters innovation and collaboration. However, challenges arise when organizational structures are too loose, leading to coordination issues and inefficiencies. The research emphasizes the active role of individuals in shaping leadership structures and highlights the recursive relationship between leadership and network structures. Ultimately, it challenges the notion that leadership alone guarantees success, underscoring the importance of understanding leadership as a form of agency within the broader context of network structures. Keywords: Leadership; Sustainability transitions; Change, Social Practice Theory; Agency; Structure Alternative Food Networks