A master thesis from Aalborg University
Managing the pathway towards CO₂-neutrality : Examining the transition in six ambitious Danish and Dutch municipalities
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2015
Submitted on
2015-06-03
Pages
137 pages
Abstract
The pathway to become CO₂-neutral at the municipal level is unknown and there are no clear guidelines. Therefore, it is of interest to study the management process of the most ambitious municipalities with a CO₂-neutral target in the progressive nations of Denmark and the Netherlands. In this research study three Danish (Aarhus, Copenhagen, Sønderborg) and three Dutch (Eindhoven, The Hague, Zoetermeer) municipalities have been examined, with inputs from four external experts in this field, into the management processes used on the pathway towards CO₂-neutrality. The data was gathered through a comprehensive literature review of studies, policy documents and through 10 interviews. The data was analysed through the theoretical perspective of transition management as the main input. The findings of this study is that municipalities play a key role in facilitating the transition to become CO₂-neutral. This facilitating role involves collaborating internally and externally between the civil society and other municipalities as a way to strategically navigate the long-term transition. Also, to facilitate their own municipality as an institution to reduce CO₂ emissions, while facilitating action from actors in the geographical boundaries of the municipality. It is concluded that there are a number of procedures for the facilitating process from focusing on specific areas of interest to concrete actions plans. It is further concluded that the transition management perspective can be beneficial for the municipalities entering the uncertain future of moving towards CO₂-neutrality.
Keywords
Documents
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