Local Targets 21 is a user-friendly on-line tool, available free of charge to local governments across Europe. The tool is in 7 languages, including English, and has 10 sets of indicators, with indicative targets, covering a wide range of sustainability issues. These have been developed specifically for local governments, in line with the key policy areas outlined in the European Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment, and the Aalborg Commitments. The tool assists local governments in selecting, setting, and monitoring progress against the targets that they adopt.

How does it work?

A local government can browse all the indicators on the tool, and then enter their own baseline data against each indicator. Once they have entered the data, and submitted the form, they will receive by email a feedback report. In the first year of submission, this report will show the baseline data for each target, in a graphical format. Each time the local government updates their data (and this can be done as often as they wish), they will receive a new report, showing how they are progressing against their own targets.

What are the benefits?

All participating local governments will be able to find out which other local governments are adopting targets. The tool is supported by detailed guidance (an electronic downloadable document) on selecting, setting, and achieving targets. The tool and guidance help local governments undertaking the target-setting step of their Sustainability Cycle.

www.localtargets21.org