Creating momentum for environmental sustainability: Strategies employed by sustainability managers

Other conference contribution, 2024

This paper investigates the strategies environmental managers employ to accelerate sustainability work. The analysis builds on a literature review focused on sustainability leadership in construction and on 14 semi-structured interviews with environmental managers. The findings show how these environmental managers engage other people to promote sustainability within their organizations. Three main practices aiming at engaging organizational actors were identified: (1) Active targeting of individuals with executive power, (2) Bringing on board as many people as possible, and (3) Finding ambassadors. The paper contributes to knowledge that can support sustainability leaders and strengthen their ability to influence business development processes. Increased understanding on strategies employed by environmental managers to raise engagement in sustainability transition is needed to empower environmental leaders’ and their role. Moreover, by identifying strategies for creating a momentum för environmental sustainability the findings may support environmental managers in their practical work in selecting strategies that best fits their work environment.