How many members are you now and what is your most important mission?
Today, the association brings together around eighty member organizations; companies, the public sector and academia, all of which support the vision - "With knowledge and environmental technology, we create the transition to a sustainable world". Today, we welcome everyone who wants to be part of a journey of change in energy, environment and climate-related challenges.

Do you notice an increased interest from companies out there in sustainability issues or is there a lot of push to get members?
"During the three years I have been active in the assignment, there is a positive movement, where sustainability issues are really on the lips and agendas of many, from individual companies to public sector actors. In recent years, we have clarified and are currently addressing three societal challenges and sectors: the construction and real estate sector, the logistics sector and industry, and the challenges they face in their transition work. These sectors have, with the help of funding from members and Region Östergötland, been staffed with cutting-edge expertise in each of the sectors. Here we see that knowledge is the single most important factor in creating the courage to drive change in the business you are in. Today, my three colleagues continuously support the required knowledge building, with the aim of generating rapid transformational power.

What is your biggest challenge as a member organization?
I think there is a risk in being a member organization that feels the need to be there for everyone. Here I would say that there is a reason to dare to be clear and ask the question of who you exist for, and what you want to do for them. Much like a company should think when it comes to addressing its offer to potential customers. I also believe that future member organizations should think in terms of value chains. As an association, we have been greatly inspired by the work that Fossil Free Sweden has carried out together with 22 different industries in Sweden. Their work has resulted in roadmaps for each industry, with the goal of being climate neutral by 2045. I believe that the member organizations and companies of the future have great opportunities to deepen cooperation in the value chains they are in today, and thus get a real leverage effect in their sustainability work.

Finally - your best tip for all of us readers who want to live more sustainably?
Start small and in what you can influence. Starting with a change there creates the desire to continue exploring and changing in wider circles. The advice to organizations I meet is also to look around for neutral platforms, such as Cleantech Östergötland, which can be a support in their own development, and to explore what the university in the locality or in the region can support with. The employees of the future and knowledge in these issues are guaranteed to be found at a university near you!