ABSTRACT
This chapter intends to provide an impetus for the update of the German Resource Efficiency Programme. Based on the theoretical policy integration approach, an analysis of documents, legal responsibilities and subsequent influences of the different governance levels was conducted. The architecture of the governance elements was studied. A number of shortcomings of the implementation process and deficient linkages among levels and stakeholders were revealed. The design of the German resource policy and a policy mix of overwhelmingly non-obliging instruments result in a mixture of effective and ineffective interventions and, partly, non-action. As a result, the authors suggest shifting attention from industrial resource efficiency efforts to dialogues with and between Länder and municipalities. Also, highly resource-intensive issues like urban planning, building & construction, mobility and land use should be more focussed on. Approaches shall be framed with incentives. Stakeholder of Länder and municipalities should be better included in the participatory process.
