The RSC handbook: Helping regions towards low-carbon development

To help regional bodies throughout Europe to shift towards low-carbon development

The handbook was officially introduced at the final RSC conference, held in October 2011 in Cornwall. Presenting user-friendly tools, methodologies and guidance developed within the RSC project, the handbook is designed to help regional bodies throughout Europe to shift towards low-carbon development. It also includes good practice examples from RSC partner regions and beyond, showcasing relevant practical experience.

How regions can begin the process of reducing their carbon emissions

Work on the handbook began in November 2010, when the partners met in Ancona, Italy to discuss the initial concept. In order to illustrate how regions can begin the process of reducing their carbon emissions, the handbook covers 4 themes:

1.    establishing a baseline;
2.    prioritising actions;
3.    strategic planning;
4.    and monitoring progress.

These address the basic issues confronting local and regional authorities when implementing low-carbon measures. The handbook also contains recommendations designed to support European regions on their path to a low-carbon future. These recommendations are also targeted at other interested parties, including the European Commission, national policy makers, experts and academics. There are two versions of the handbook: print and online. The printed version provides an overview of the RSC’s low-carbon concept and introduces the process of developing a low-carbon economy. The more comprehensive online handbook, which is available on the RSC website, includes the full set of materials, guidance, case studies and tools produced by the RSC project.