Developing a carbon dioxide management system for public authorities

The case study presented in this chapter describes the process of conceptualising a steering tool suitable for reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in Dresden, an average-sized city in Germany. Since each city intending to reduce its CO₂ emissions needs to find its own suitable instruments and measures, this chapter does not aim to describe the specific instrument developed. Rather, it focuses on the specific strategic processes and project steps that require the special political and administrative structures of the public authorities of Dresden and which might be similar to that of other German and European cities.