Background The EU has set targets in its energy policy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% up to 2020. It also has the medium-term objective of reducing GHG emissions by 8% by 2012 compared with 1990 levels. Each Member State is contributing to these efforts. In Italy actions are under way at local levels to address the global issue of climate change. In the meantime the European Commission launched the “Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative” aiming at the revival of the EU's economy. It aims at "smart, sustainable, inclusive growth", building a more competitive low-carbon economy that makes efficient, sustainable use of resources. Objectives The LACRe project was focused on two Italian provinces (Livorno in Tuscany and Ferrara in Emilia-Romagna). The aim was to demonstrate new voluntary and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) oriented approaches in these provinces to the challenges of GHG reduction. Innovation was to be a key project driver for introducing better environmental governance through broader stakeholder involvement. Public and private sector interests (particularly the industrial sector) were to cooperate in new types of results oriented partnerships that would prepare and implement Climate Alliance Action Plans. These plans would address issues connected with energy efficiency in buildings, productive processes, logistic efficiency, and life-cycle impact of products and services. Commitments were to be made in terms of reducing CO2 equivalent emissions in the two provinces and governance tools for accountability and transparency would be introduced. These would communicate results obtained and raise awareness among local communities about the environmental benefits produced by the project. Findings from the project would also be widely disseminated to assist other parts of Europe in their climate action activities. Results The LACRe project succeeded in its objectives to establish new approaches for ‘low carbon’ economies. Both partnerships set up their intended alliances and used common approaches to measure their results. Advisory material (including step-by-step guidance) was produced and used by public authorities, regional environmental protection agencies, plus mountain communities. Content in the guidance covered themes such as corporate social responsibility and public-private partnership methodologies. Relevant experiences from Livorno and Ferrara were included as well as climate action techniques like: applying a carbon footprint calculation methodology and worksheets; using checklists and data base models for conducting energy field visits; and defining actions for reducing emissions in companies. Among its specific results, the project secured direct involvement of 12 business associations (5 in Livorno, 7 in Ferrara) and 31 companies joined the partnerships (13 in Livorno, 18 in Ferrara). Potential GHG emission reductions from the companies involved were estimated to sum to around 134 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in Livorno, and 25 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in Ferrara. Both local partnerships developed an action plan which included specific commitments for each company. These led to a general reduction of 7.12% of CO2 emissions in Ferrara and 7.53% in Livorno. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).