Maria Gustavsson – sustainability‑empowered community builder

When Aktuell Hållbarhet lists Sweden’s 101 most powerful sustainability leaders of 2025, Maria Gustavsson is included. Maria is Head of the Strategy and Sustainability Unit in the Municipality of Mariestad.

Congratulations on the recognition – how does it feel to be acknowledged in this way?

Thank you! When I was asked to submit a photo, I had missed that I had been nominated, so it came as a pleasant surprise!

What sustainability goals does the Municipality of Mariestad have?

In part, we work with Agenda 2030, but we are also part of the Viable Cities collaboration, an innovation program for cities that want to be pioneers in climate action. In the longer term, we are working to become climate neutral. A lot of it is about coming together and ensuring that we are striving toward the same goals. Everyone needs to do what they can, based on their role and level of influence.

It is mainly in cities - where people live - that emissions occur, and at the municipal level we have, among other things, authority over urban planning. That’s where we can make a difference. One example is that we are looking at how we can plan so that it becomes possible for our residents to choose walking, cycling, and public transport instead of taking the car. Today, many short car trips are made. Emissions are much lower if we can replace these trips with other modes of transport. We are also looking at how we can plan and build in smart ways that encourage a sustainable lifestyle.

How is collaboration around sustainability in Skaraborg?

These issues go beyond municipal borders, and we need to work together on them. In Skaraborg, the Skaraborg Association of Local Authorities manages several networks for different professions - I usually participate in the one for climate strategists. It’s great that we can support each other and share good ideas. We can go further if we do things together!

What are you working on right now?

At the moment, we are working on a transport program that feels very important. We are working with three different scenarios and looking at the potential impacts of various measures to reduce car use. This issue is much bigger than just emissions, it also concerns public health and preparedness, among other things. If more people are used to cycling and have the capacity to do so, it brings positive health benefits for individuals, and it’s also important in a crisis situation when driving may not be possible.

Since we can only succeed in the transition if we have our citizens with us, much of our work also focuses on communicating with them. For example, we engage with young people to hear their ideas. We have also developed a board game, together with the University of Skövde, about making Mariestad climate neutral, which is available in schools and libraries. In addition, we have created a walking trail with signs placed on trees around the city. These provide facts about the benefits of each tree, such as how much oxygen it produces, along with other interesting information.

What is it like to work with sustainability?

Sustainability is about taking care of what we have around us. I grew up on a farm and now I’m a forest owner myself, and when you work with land and forests it becomes very clear that we are stewards of our resources and need to do everything we can to pass them on in good condition to the next generation.

It’s also encouraging that there is strong public interest in sustainability issues. People talk more about circularity, and buying second-hand has become more common. Our role in the municipality is to build, plan, and create opportunities for a sustainable lifestyle, but it is up to everyone in society to make positive changes in their everyday lives. It’s important that everyone does something. That’s how we make real progress!

This text has been translated with the help of AI.