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Managing Sustainability and Carbon-Neutrality in the Public Administration—Case Report of a German State Institution

Author

Listed:
  • Friederike Behr

    (State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV), 45659 Recklinghausen, Germany)

  • Gero Oertzen

    (State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV), 45659 Recklinghausen, Germany)

  • Manuel Dienst

    (State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV), 45659 Recklinghausen, Germany)

Abstract

Since 2017, the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV) has established an operational environmental and sustainability management and set specific objectives to reach operational carbon neutrality. In this context, central questions aim at the availability of financial and human resources, the competition with other duties as well as the necessary involvement of the staff. Based on the practical example of LANUV, this article presents concrete activities, e.g., in context of mobility or human resources, as well as the challenges connected to them. While single measures do have a positive impact, a structural approach, like the set-up of an environmental management system (e.g., EMAS—Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), is found to be more effective. In addition, success factors are identified such as distinct structures and responsibilities, a capable person in charge of the process, and commitment on the management level, as well as challenges like the lack of governmental objectives and obligations or limited human and financial resources. This article follows the idea of a case report in a transdisciplinary manner, presenting ideas for enhancement and shedding a light on a possible spread of sustainability endeavors to other national institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Friederike Behr & Gero Oertzen & Manuel Dienst, 2021. "Managing Sustainability and Carbon-Neutrality in the Public Administration—Case Report of a German State Institution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4146-:d:532259
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    References listed on IDEAS

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