Abstract:The Construction sector is characterised by complex supply networks delivering unique end products over short time scales. Sustainability has increased in importance but continues to be difficult to implement in this sector; thus, new approaches and practices are needed. This paper reports an empirical investigation into the value of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG12), when used as a framework for action by organisations to drive change towards sustainability in global supply networks. Through inductive research, two different and contrasting approaches to improving the sustainability of supply networks have been revealed. One approach focuses on the "bottom up" ethical approach typified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of timber products, and the other on "top-down" regulations exemplified by the UK Modern Slavery Act. In an industry noted for complex supply networks and characterised by adversarial relationships, the findings suggest that, in the long term, promoting shared values aligned with transparent, third-party monitoring will be more effective than imposing standards through legislation and regulation in supporting sustainable consumption and production.

The crisis of climate disruption and shortcomings in top-down approaches has focused attention on the effectiveness of governance to achieve climate goals. New sub-national governance models such as business alliances, city networks and NGO coalitions have emerged; such institutional ‘re-making’ is often motivated by frustration at national inaction, and by a belief thatlocal actors offer an effective ‘bottom-up’ approach. Literature on the emergence of climate-led multi-level and polycentric governance focuses primarily on cities; the role of urban-rural counties and of the micro-level of local government, and the challenges and opportunities before them, is less well studied. This paper draws on work in progress in a study exploring progress, challenges and failings in UK climate governance across multiple levels of county-based government: Surrey, an area of towns, peri-urban districts and countryside, is offered as a case study, with a focus on micro-level action in small towns and parishes. We find that despite a lack of national government orchestration or sub-regional frameworks, climate action is occurring voluntarily at all levels of governance. However, the nature of action is variable and irregular and there is little evidence as yet to demonstrate effectiveness. A fragmented form of multi-level governance is observed, with limited upward flows of ideas and no indication of national interest in micro-local climate lessons and experience. We identify the importance of ‘wilful actors’ and the need for greater coordination, information- and knowledge-sharing networks to achieve effective institutional ‘remaking’ for climate action.

No abstract

Inhalt. Einleitung. I. Die Apparate, Z/ihlmethoden und Z/ihlobjekte: a) Das Ultramikroskop. b) Die Z~ihlmethoden, c) Die zu den Versuchen verwendeten Sole. II. Vergleich der verschiedenen Z/ihlm e t h o d e n : a) Vergleich der durchschnittlich in je einem Einzelquadrat des Mikrometernetzes enthaltenen Teilchenzahlen. b) Vergleich des Ausz/ihlens eines einzigen Netzquadrates mit dem Ausz/ihlen aller 18 Quadrate. c) Einflut3 der Reihenfolge, in der die Quadrate des Netzes gez~hlt werden, d/ Einflufl der Beobachter auf die verschiedenen Zahlergebnisse. a) Vergleich verschiedener Beobachter. if) Vergleich der verschiedenen Registriermethoden (Diktiermethode und Morseschreiber), y) Einflufl yon kurzen, 0fter wiederholten Ruhepausen auf die Z~ihlergebnisse. 8)Vet, gleich der Z~ihlungen eines einzigen Beobachters mit den Z~ihlungen, die yon zwei Beobachtern gemeinsam ausgefiihrt werden. IlI. Faktoren, die die Ermittlung der Teilchenzahl beeinflussen: a) EinilullderPolydispersit/it eines Soles. b) Einflufl der Spalttiefe des Ultramikroskops.Einleitung.