Monitoring performance with online Environment Barometer portal
About this good practice
The Environment Barometer was launched in 2003 and is run by the Environment & Health Department. Data is published in accordance with the Aarhus Convention, which guarantees public access to environmental information, promotes public participation in decision-making and provides access to justice on environmental matters. Since 2003, the City of Stockholm has developed a process for long-term monitoring and reporting of key environmental indicators from a holistic local perspective. Examples include data on environmental monitoring of nutrient levels and pollutants in watercourses, levels of greenhouse gas emissions, local climate effects such as temperature, precipitation and water levels, energy indicators, consumption patterns and more. The Barometer highlights the environmental achievements of the City and its residents and provides important reference material which is used to aid decision-making for a sustainable Stockholm. In particular, the portal is used to clarify links between environmental problems and their causes.
The Environment Barometer also publishes extensive information on the local transport system in Stockholm, e.g. data on modal shares and use patterns, along with factual information on related topics. This data is sourced from the City's own measurements, City departments and companies, along with data from other actors who monitor traffic or other environmental issues in Stockholm. This example is of relevance to REFOCUS and related projects.
Resources needed
Operation and maintenance of the Environment Barometer costs around €6000/year including license, system development, training for operators and other costs. Additional resources are required to produce the information published on the site (yet such data is produced as part of normal routines).
Evidence of success
In most municipalities, a vast amount of data is produced when monitoring indicators. By compiling and publishing such data in a single-stop open data portal, the Environment Barometer provides a key service for Stockholm residents and a major reference point for City decision-makers; indicators in budgets and action plans are usually aligned with the Barometer to ensure smooth monitoring and reporting. The material is well-used and often serves as the basis for studies and reports.
Potential for learning or transfer
Most municipalities face a similar challenge in fulfilling Aarhus Convention obligations and keeping their citizens informed about the state of their local environment. The Environment Barometer is an excellent solution, enabling the City administration to develop processes to monitor indicators over long periods, whilst at the same time publishing the information for anyone to use. The data can thus inform decisions and influence the design of processes intended to implement those decisions. The approach used is possible for other municipalities to adopt and adapt to reflect their local circumstances. The only pre-requisite is a commitment to monitoring indicators in the long-term, something which supports adaptive and effective policy-making.
Further information
Good practice owner
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