Riflessioni metodologiche sull’integrazione tra i processi di azione locale per la sostenibilità e la certificazione ambientale alla scala territoriale

The aim of the paper is the definition of a new scheme of environmental management for local authorities. Such a scheme originates from the characteristics of existing processes of local action (Local Agenda 21) and environmental management and certification (EMAS II and ISO 14001). This integrated process overcomes usual regulatory prescriptions, in order to extend the scope of certification from organization (local authority) to the entire area and to actively involve local communities by means of the participative model developed in the Local Agenda 21 processes.