Making Environmental Self-Regulation Mandatory
Global Environmental Politics. 6(4):1-12.
Posted: 18 Aug 2005 Last revised: 20 Jan 2015
Date Written: 2006
Abstract
We describe a simple mechanism for achieving two goals: (1) to encourage firms to take environmentally friendly action, and (2) to make environmental protection regime-proof. We assert that there is wide evidence now that firms adopting an environmental management system (EMS) like ISO 14001 improve their environmental performance. This is because ISO 14001's third-party audits reduce the chance firms will willfully fail to comply with regulations, and the EMS procedure reduces the chances firms will be in noncompliance due to ignorance. Our mechanism is intended to harness the power of EMS systems within firms, while reducing the chances that political change will nullify our solution. To achieve these goals, make firms' participation in public procurement programs contingent on their adoption of an EMS such as ISO 14001.
Keywords: Environmental policy, environmental enforcement, environmental regulation, public procurement
JEL Classification: H11, H41, H57, K32, Q30
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation