Abstract

This dissertation explores the development of a human capital concept that is here referred to as "€green footprint competence"€ among workers and members of organizations that position themselves as "€green"€, "€organic"€, or "€environmental solutions providers"€. The research contributes to the studies of social and environmental change by analysing three aspects of this change: a) the institutionalisation of the global green and low-carbon discourses as values, norms, and discursive practices within organizations in Kyrgyzstan and China; b) the emergence of the green organizational identity; c) and the development of the new competences for the climate change adaptation and mitigation along with the "€green identity" of workers and members of greening organizations. The key argument formed as a result of this research is that the development of standards for measuring and reporting of the Personal and Organizational consumption of Earth Resources (i.e.,. personal and organizational carbon and/or ecological footprints), requires a more democratic and inherently more participative approach through developing green competences of organizations™ workers.