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The role of cities and municipalities



Cities and municipalities assume different roles in various fields of action of local climate protection:


Put your own house in order
              The local authority as consumer and model
Cites and municipalities fulfill an important model function when they reduce the energy consumptions of public buildings, motivate their own employees in climate-friendly behaviour, source green electricity themselves or husband the local woods effectively. The possibilities in exerting influence are the biggest here because one's own action takes a center stage.


Commands and prohibitions
              The local authority as planner and regulator
Local authorities can also influence the behaviour of economy or consumers in terms of climate protection through specifying the standard of climate protection in new residential and industrial areas, in management of traffic and parking space or judicial and regulatory measures.


The Consumer has the choice
              The local authority as provider and supplier
Communes act as provider and supplier in energy and traffic sectors, in waste deposal or local housing construction. Here the regulation is effected through a corresponding offer which the consumers can make use of. Local authorities can also influence the behaviour of the consumers through cooperating with private investors.


A cordial invitation
              The local authority as advisor and promoter
Where there is no juridical basis, local authorities can also exert indirect influence, for instance, through awareness raising or financial promotion of climate protection measures. They can thus motivate private consumers, architects or the local handicraft in adopting climate-friendly behaviour and procedures.