Participative backcasting: A tool for involving stakeholders in local sustainability planning

Annika Carlsson-Kanyama*, Karl Henrik Dreborg, H.C. Moll, Dario Padovan

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    178 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper reports on the use of a backcasting approach with local stakeholders in five European cities where several Images of the Future were formulated for household consumption in sustainable cities. The aim was to find methods for inspiring local stakeholders to participate in discussions about sustainability with a long-term perspective. Previous exercises of similar kinds have mainly involved experts. A method based on workshops and back-office work was developed and is described and analysed here, together with the results obtained. The outcomes in terms of ideas, votes and dimensions are also discussed. The findings suggest that the method worked reasonably well, with the process quality receiving the highest ratings. The quality of outcomes was perceived as less reliable. Adaptations should include more efforts to recruit participants with varied backgrounds and more innovative approaches for liberating subjects' minds during the time travel stage of the process. The outcomes obtained show that there appears to be a common set of popular ideas for more sustainable everyday city life in the EU, including more local and organic food, a greener environment, better public transport and opportunities for non-motorised transport and reorientation of values. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)34-46
    Number of pages13
    JournalFutures
    Volume40
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb-2008

    Keywords

    • HOUSEHOLDS
    • OPTIONS
    • FUTURES
    • SWEDEN

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