The connection between 2006 IPCC GHG inventory methodology and ISO 14064-1 certification standard – A reference point for the environmental policies at sub-national scale.

The article shows how a joint application of the 2006 IPCC methodology and the ISO 14064-1 standard of certification, as well as the co-operation between academic, legislative and administrative organizations, are important points for a sustainable management of an administrative jurisdiction, providing positive environmental effects. The administrative systems can choose validated ISO 14064-1 GHG inventories, produced in time series, as a strategy tool for local management, as a compass to orient future policy decisions. The Province of Siena (Tuscany, Central Italy) was one regional system in Europe to achieve the ISO 14064-1 certification of its GHG inventories, developed in time series applying the 2006 IPCC methodology. The results of the time series (year 2006-2010) of GHG inventories elaborated for the Province of Siena point out that the performed environmental management policies may bring about a significant reduction of GHG emission released to the atmosphere over time (net emission: 449 Gg CO_2eq in 2006, 84 Gg CO_2eq in 2010). The experience of the Province of Siena can be considered a significant reference model for all public authorities at the micro and macro scale who are interested in reducing GHG emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]