Topic 1: Climate Change Policy
International, European and UK climate change policy initiatives are outlined. Examples of international initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local and regional level are given. These include the International Councils for Local Environmental Initiatives work and the work of the Energy Cities network of energy- and environmentally-conscious cities. The science of climate change, UKCIP and the work of the Tyndall Centre and other organisations are covered. The key International, European and UK policy drivers are reviewed.

Topic 2: Local and Regional Initiatives
The local and regional dimension of an integrated environmental strategy is outlined. This includes the development of greenhouse gas emission inventories, accuracy of data and examples of the most successful measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The need to integrate such policies into Best Value, health policy, regeneration policy and housing policies is highlighted. The role of legislation and legislative bodies is discussed. Regional renewable energy targets, sustainable energy strategies and Integrated Regional Strategies are covered. Greenhouse gas emissions from transport and waste management is highlighted. The topic identifies the need for a comprehensive approach to the problem, with the need for integration across different policy areas such as transport, land use planning, waste management, health, regeneration and so on.

Topic 3: Energy Strategy and Carbon-reduction Strategy
Examples of integrated energy strategies, environmental strategies and greenhouse gas management strategies are discussed. The need for good environmental practice and good housekeeping is identified. The role of the Energy Manager (or equivalent) is highlighted. The use of tools such as the energy management matrix is discussed. This includes the role of transport and waste policies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving quality of life as part of a broader carbon management strategy.

Topic 4: Implementation
International, national and local initiatives to implement greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures are covered. The topic shows how integrated environmental strategies have been successfully implemented. Using case study material from the UK, EU and OECD countries, the key factors that result in successful implementation are explored. The factors that currently prevent successful implementation are also discussed. Case studies of successful approaches on the regional, city and individual building scale (e.g. DMU's Queens Building) are used.

Topic 5: Convincing Decision Makers
The role of decision makers in government, regional agencies, local government and business is highlighted. The non-environmental benefits of greenhouse gas emission reduction measures is stressed, as is the need to convince key decision makers.

Topic 6: Monitoring and Evaluation
The need to monitor and evaluate progress in reducing energy consumption, increasing renewable energy supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is studied. Different approaches are reviewed, with the UK Councils for Climate Protection software used as an example.