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

Friederike Behr, Gero Oertzen and Manuel Dienst
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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

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-21

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.

Keywords: environmental management; sustainable management; EMAS; ISO 14001; climate neutrality; sustainable public administration; corporate responsibility; corporate social responsibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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