“We are very pleased with this year’s winning theses and how they contribute new and practically relevant knowledge to support the transition,” says Susanne Arvidsson, Centre Director of SSCEN, Sparbanken Skåne Centre for Sustainable Enterprising. “We look forward to meeting the authors at the prize ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden on 1 December, where they will each receive a prize of 25 000 SEK. We are also happy to highlight two theses with honorable mentions for their valuable contributions.”
How Nordic Companies Are Adapting to the New EU Sustainability Reporting Rules (CSRD)
LUSEM winners: Nushaba Mammadova and Nikol Peschová
Thesis title: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Adoption in the Nordics: Implementation Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities
This thesis examines how 14 Nordic companies are preparing for and implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It shows how firms are creating new ESG structures, improving cross-functional collaboration, and integrating sustainability into financial systems. The study identifies both significant challenges and new opportunities, offering early insights for organisations navigating the shift to mandatory sustainability reporting.
Motivation of the jury: For an original investigation of how Nordic companies are implementing the CSRD, analysed both more deeply and broadly than in previous studies. The thesis identifies strategic, organisational, and operational changes as well as challenges and opportunities in the implementation process. It provides a clear empirical contribution with high relevance for companies facing the demands of CSRD.
Assessing the Technical and Economic Feasibility of Battery Storage for Swedish Wind Power
LTH winners: Elin Linderborg and Ellinor Halvarsson
Thesis title: A Techno-Economic Analysis of Energy Storage with Onshore Wind Power
Elin and Ellinor evaluate how different battery energy storage technologies can support onshore wind power in Sweden, helping address challenges related to intermittency and grid stability. Their model assesses both technical performance and market value across several battery types. While battery storage can improve flexibility and raise revenues through participation in balancing markets, many configurations remain economically challenging under current conditions. The study shows that future viability depends on battery costs, electricity prices, and supportive policy frameworks.
Motivation of the jury: For an original and comprehensive technical and economic analysis of strategies for combining wind power with battery storage. Based on a self-developed model using three years of real wind power data, the thesis contributes clear and valuable insights into the conditions for further development of wind-battery solutions.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of EU Packaging Policies through a New EPR Strength Index
Honorable mention: Edvard Fröding, LUSEM
Thesis title: Extended Producer Responsibility and Packaging Waste
Edvard’s thesis analyses how the design of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems affects packaging-waste outcomes across 12 EU countries between 1997 and 2022. Using a newly developed two-dimensional EPR Strength Index, the study links policy design features to recycling performance and total waste generation. The findings underline the importance of strategic and well-designed policies for achieving circular-economy goals.
Motivation of the jury: For an original approach to assessing national policies aimed at reducing packaging use and increasing recycling. By developing a new two-dimensional index to evaluate policy effectiveness, the thesis offers valuable contributions to both research and policymaking.
Promoting Solar Dryers to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses in Rural Bhutan
Honorable mention: Noah Andreasson and Linda Lundevaller, LTH
Thesis title: The Road to Improved Solar Drying: Barriers and Drivers for Wider Adoption of Solar Dryers in Rural Bhutan
Noah and Linda investigate how small-scale farmers in rural Bhutan can benefit from indirect solar dryers as a way to reduce post-harvest food losses. Through field studies, interviews, and literature review, they identify 22 barriers and 30 drivers affecting adoption, ranging from technical and economic factors to social and infrastructural conditions. Their study highlights the need for locally adapted solutions, financial support, and increased awareness to expand the use of solar dryers.
Motivation of the jury: For a broad and thorough investigation of the barriers and drivers affecting the spread of solar drying ovens in rural Bhutan, with the aim of promoting safe and efficient food drying and reducing climate-related crop losses.
