By Sweden signing the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and Agenda 21, the country undertook to both preserve and sustainably use biological diversity, and to strive for sustainable development. Global commitments are usually realized at a local level, which means that the municipalities become an important player in environmental and sustainability work, not least through community planning.

Through urbanization and that we become more inhabitants in the country, it is required that more homes are built to counteract housing shortages. At the same time as this housing requirement exists, there are also requirements that the biological diversity and other natural values must be preserved to achieve sustainable development. Even though there are environmental quality goals and sustainability goals, only one of sixteen environmental quality goals is considered to be met. Furthermore, the municipalities themselves can also choose which environmental quality goals they want to work extra with depending on the municipalities' conditions. A reduced biodiversity leads to a lack of nutrition, reduced well-being and an increased risk of erosion. In community planning, it therefore becomes important to think from a holistic perspective.

The purpose of this study is to investigate in which ways the two selected municipalities Linköping and Örebro consider the biological diversity in community planning and whether this is done from a sustainability perspective. The purpose is also to investigate whether the municipalities relate to the government's strategy for living cities regarding green infrastructure and whether ecological, economic, and social sustainability regarding biodiversity is followed in the municipalities' general plans. The study has been carried out through a qualitative document analysis of the selected municipalities' general plans and associated strategic documents that deal with biological diversity. This with the aim of examining concrete measures that the municipalities intend to carry out to preserve the biological diversity in the city and urban areas.

Although the general plan is not legally binding, it is highly indicative in the municipalities' community planning. The overview plans show the municipality's direction for subsequent planning. When planning in urban environments, it is especially important to plan for green infrastructures, including designated high natural values where all aspects of the concept of sustainable development are considered, both social, economic, and ecological sustainability. When planning in detail, it is important that the municipality and the developer consider the designated natural values and the green infrastructure that exists within the area to be planned in detail. 

The results of the study show that the municipalities work relatively equally with each other with the biological diversity about sustainable development. The municipalities have stated in the general plans that the cities will be densified with existing cohesive buildings. In the municipalities' nature conservation programs and nature plans, the municipalities have set concrete goals for working with the conservation of biological diversity and strategies for achieving these goals. Furthermore, the master plans with accompanying documents showed that green infrastructure was of great importance within the municipalities' districts. From the selected detailed plans, the results showed that the municipalities took biological diversity into account to a great extent. The municipalities planned new buildings near existing buildings to be frugal in paving natural land that has a negative effect on biological diversity. Furthermore, hatch plots are avoided by planning cohesive buildings as it reduces the risk of fragmentation of natural land.

Since the environmental problems caused by human activities were identified in the mid-20th century, global initiatives have been implemented to promote sustainable industry. With a growing awareness of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable products and services has increased. To meet the requirements of new legislation and the growing demand, there are opportunities for companies to contribute to global environmental goals and strengthen their existing market positions.

This study explores the implementation of an environmental program within Nordic Converting AB, a micro-enterprise specializing in adhesive materials. The work highlights the challenges and opportunities micro-enterprises face when introducing environmental management systems. Through literature reviews, interviews, and surveys, the authors have mapped the company's current environmental efforts.

The aim of the study is to evaluate and analyze how the environmental program can improve environmental performance and contribute to sustainability goals in a micro-enterprise, as well as  to identify effective environmental management methodologies. The current state at the case company indicates potential for development within structured environmental work. An environmental investigation identified significant environmental aspects, which have been addressed through defined environmental goals and concrete action plans.

Interviews with employees and external consultants highlighted internal and external drivers for environmental work, such as customer requirements and economic incentives. The implementation of ISO 14001 standards was discussed, and benchmarking against similar companies that have undergone certification highlighted success factors and challenges.

The study shows that commitment from management and continuous employee training are crucial for the successful implementation and management of environmental efforts.

In summary, the study shows that with the right strategies and tools, micro-enterprises like Nordic Converting AB can improve environmental performance, contributing to global sustainability goals, strengthening the company's competitiveness, and enhancing stakeholder relationships.