Achieving Sustainability? A Case Analysis of Policy-to-Project Processes

This study explores the gap between policy initiatives and actual projects; specifically how strategic objectives are manifested at project level. The object of this study, the “Brøset project”, is an attempt to establish a “Carbon Neutral” city district in answer to national Climate policy. The Brøset Project is analyzed based on a documentation study and semi-structured open-ended interviews with project stakeholders. The project is described up to its current state, and assessed with regards to sustainability and consistency between the Strategic, Tactical and Operational objectives. Findings from the case study illustrate a lack of agreement regarding both the feasibility and the relevance of the Brøset project. This study elucidates challenges concerning policy-to-project processes in the Norwegian Public Sector.