Abstract
This thesis explores the intricacies of sustainable food waste management in the context of Local Food Services (LFS) within the Stavanger region. The study investigates how knowledge-based policy instruments can facilitate LFS in improving food loss (FL) and food waste (FW) management to align with national circular bioeconomy perspectives and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3 targets. This research employs a case study approach, focusing primarily on the innovative practices of the Studentsamskipnaden i Stavanger (SiS) Cafeteria, an exemplary case of FL and FW management within the LFS sector.
The study is framed within a Multi-Level Governance (MLG) framework, Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), and the inverted Food Waste (FW) pyramid of circular bioeconomy. These frameworks enhance the analysis by considering governance dynamics, the transformative processes associated with transitioning to sustainable food waste management, and the stages at which FW can be valorised.
Key findings highlight that policy instruments can significantly influence LFS practices and encourage the adoption of circular bioeconomic models. Regulatory authorities can either create barriers or facilitate these transitions. The case study demonstrates the potential of LFS to improve their social, environmental, and economic standing through efficient FW management. Insights further suggest that effective knowledge-based policy instruments are essential for catalysing change at all levels, making significant contributions to SDG 12.3 objectives.
The research underscores the importance of collaborative efforts, innovative technology, behavioural change, and regulatory alignment. It offers valuable insights into the complexity of sustainable FW management and the need for comprehensive, knowledge-based policy instruments. The study's outcomes provide a foundation for devising strategies that support a sustainable transition within the food waste landscape, offering a roadmap for future policies and practices in LFS and beyond.
