Does religious difference have an impact on the diffusion of sustainable innovations? A mixed-methods analysis of ecovillages worldwide

• Religious difference does not significantly impact ecovillages’ diffusion activities. • Self-secularization strategies enable ecovillages to bridge religious difference. • Contextual aspects influence how ecovillages’ religious values are represented. • Religious influences should not be overrated in diffusion processes. Religion is seen as potential leverage for sustainability transitions by scholars and other actors. However, so far, little is known about how religion influences the diffusion of sustainable practices. Drawing from a global survey of 130 ecovillages, this mixed-methods study investigates the role of religious difference in the diffusion activities of ecovillages. We integrate survey results with findings from 24 semi-structured interviews. The results show that ecovillages employ self-secularization strategies. Self-secularization strategies enable ecovillages to collaborate with other actors for local sustainability transitions despite differences in religious beliefs and practices. This study is the first to examine the role of religion in the diffusion activities of grassroots groups engaged in sustainability. The results illustrate the potential of religious beliefs and practices to act as barriers and/or catalysts to sustainability transitions.