Sustainability: Inclusive storytelling to aid sustainable development goals

Summary

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations in 2015 as a call to action for individuals, teams, projects, organisations and industries. The UK is at the forefront of delivering the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (HM Government, 2019). The practice of sustainability involves understanding the ways individuals and teams in projects and organisations
respond to the sustainability targets set nationally and internationally. There remains little empiricalresearch exploring the ways in which sustainability is interpreted and practised by sustainability practitioners, including those whose job title infers direct responsibility (e.g. sustainability consultants, sustainability managers, environmental managers, BREEAM managers, etc.).

In this study, Dr Sergeeva utilises an inclusive storytelling research method to help better understand the perspectives of sustainability practitioners about the ways they respond to the sustainability agenda. The study shows that a range of stories, work identities and roles (e.g. champions, activists, facilitators, supporters, motivators, influencers, enforcers, coaches, communicators, promoters,
educators and dreamers) emerge in addressing the sustainability agenda. It also highlights the way in which inclusive storytelling is a central part of sustainability work. Finally, this report makes some practical recommendations for practitioners.