Sustainability standard setting as local government matter: an Italian experience. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pepe, Francesca; Paternostro, Sergio; Monfardini, Patrizio
• Is Part Of: Public management review. Volume 20:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Sustainability -- local government -- standard setter -- metrics; Local government -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2017.1293144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-9037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Sustainability is a globally targeted concept widely debated in the literature, but still seeking a commonly agreed operationalization within applicable standards. The role of standard setter is commonly played by multi-stakeholder international organizations aiming at offering sound solutions for all kind of organizations, while what could be the role of a local government (LG) as sustainability standard setter and how this could impact on the definitions, rubrics, and measurement of sustainability is currently under-investigated. The case of an Italian LG already acting as standard setter allows to understand the reasons for, the strengths and the weaknesses of territorially bounded standards.