Implementing the environmental and social policies of a municipality through an integrated management system: theoretical framework and case study

Local authorities have an important role in improving the quality of life of their citizens by managing environmental and social issues for a sustainable development of the territory. While an increasing number of municipalities is implementing Environmental Management Systems (ISO14001-EMAS) to manage its environmental issues, standardized tools for social ones are still lacking. This paper proposes a theoretical framework for developing an Integrated Environmental and Social Management System through the inclusion of SA 8000 (Social Accountability) requirements with an innovative focus on citizens information and consultation and highlights the main outcomes of its application in a small Italian municipality.