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Opinion of tools
Name of the case study
ÖKOSTADT 2000 Evaluation
Name of tool
ÖKOSTADT 2000
Opinion of tool - argumentation for choosing the tool
The implementation of Agenda 21 was a background reason but a tool was also needed to assess the actions taken to strive towards the aims set out in Agenda 21 . The environmental department of the city of Graz took the initiative for choosing /elaboration the tool. The main criteria for choosing the tool were the use of a standardised procedure and to also involve the public. Other tools used in other cities were reviewed before, some of them adapted, new ones invented and all of them put together to create this new tool.
Opinion of tool - barriers for the tool implementation
There were no major problems in acceptance and the implementation.
Opinion of tool - assessment by tool users
The environmental situation changed a lot because of the program, as did the connections between the NGOs, technicians, academics and the municipal authorities.
There were no spin-off´s or unintended consequences as a result of using the tool.
It was very useful to know that the process will be reviewed every 3-4 years which means that effort had to be made to improve every evaluation.
The potential for future use of the tool is partly due to the process described here - Graz was the first city which was awarded the "European Sustainable City Award" in 1996 so it can be a role model for other cities
The tool users would recommend the tool or use it in other cases. The invitation to take part in the evaluation process relating to the Eco-City 2000 in connection with Local Agenda 21 was seen as an opportunity to bring in all the experiences (not only the technical ones) and specialised findings from NGOs, academics, etc. into the evaluation process. The municipal authorities, for their part, have not only acted as a role model by taking the unusual decision to have their works evaluated "from outside". They can also be praised for having initiated a example of change (statement of the NGO Representative).
Opinion of tool - reviewer\'s assessment
The tool was very useful in the process and still is because the evaluations are still going on. One recommendation would be to include the public directly and not only indirectly via NGOs.
What tools were used to assess sustainability?
More information