Definition – An audit
involves the evaluation of a person, organisation, system, process, project or product, often by an independent organisation. The term is most used in the field of accounting but similar concepts also exist in project management, quality management and energy conservation.
See also certification.
Relevance to SUMP – The EC Transport White Paper (EC, 2011) includes the initiative that regional development and cohesion funds should be linked to cities and regions that have submitted a current, independently validated Urban Mobility Performance and Sustainability Audit Certificate. Additionally, the SUMP Annex to the Urban Mobility Package (EC, 2013) states that local planning authorities should have mechanisms to ensure the quality and validate compliance of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. These policy documents have led to the development of guidance, auditing and certification schemes relating to the development and implementation of Sustainability Urban Mobility Plans, including the following:
- ADVANCE Audit tool
- EcoMobility SHIFT Assessment and Audit scheme
- ENDURANCE Self-Assessment Questionnaire
- QUEST Quality Management method
- SUMP Impact Evaluation Guidance (prepared by the CiViTAS DYN@MO project)
- SUMP Self-Assessment Scheme (developed by Rupprecht Consult and disseminated through the CH4LLENGE project)
Source: EC, 2011