How many members are you now and what is your most important mission?
Currently, the association gathers around eighty member organizations; companies, the public sector, and academia, all of whom 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 change journey within energy, the environment, and climate-related challenges.

Do you notice an increased interest from the companies out there regarding sustainability issues, or is there a lot of pushing to get members in?
During the three years I have been active in the assignment, a positive movement has been noticeable, where sustainability issues really are on many people's lips and agendas, from individual companies to actors within the public sector. In recent years, we have clarified and today address 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 specialist expertise within each of the sectors. Here we notice 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 knowledge building that is required, with the goal of generating rapid transformation power.

What is your biggest challenge as a member organization?
I think there is a risk in feeling the requirement to be there for everyone as a member organization. Here I would argue that there is a reason to dare to be clear and bottom out the question of who you are there for and what you want to do for them. Much like a company should think when it comes to addressing its offering to potential customers. I also think that future member organizations should think in value chains. Here, we as an association 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 being developed, with the goal of being climate neutral by 2045 at the latest. I believe that future member organizations and companies have great opportunities to deepen cooperation in the value chains they are in today, and in this way 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 with what you can influence. Starting with a change there creates a 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 town or region can support with. The future employees and knowledge in these issues are guaranteed to be at a university near you!