Environmental Management System Research Articles

Impact of Environmental Regulation on Corporate Green Technological Innovation: The Moderating Role of Corporate Governance and Environmental Information Disclosure

Environmental degradation is an important issue facing the world today. Microcosmically, green technical innovation is needed to decrease environmental pollution. Therefore, exploring the relationship between the two is of great significance for promoting environmental protection and sustainable development. Thus, this research elucidates the interaction between green innovation (GI) and environmental regulations (ERs). This study utilizes the fixed effects model to examine how government environmental protection subsidies (EPSs) in market-incentive ER and environmental management system certification (EMSC) in voluntary participatory ER affect GI among listed companies in China. The sample observation period is from 2012 to 2021. Additionally, the impact of corporate governance (CGL) and environmental information disclosure (EID) on the relationship between ERs and GI within businesses is investigated. The empirical results show that both government environmental protection subsidies and environmental management system certification positively affect green innovation, and both corporate governance and environmental information disclosure positively moderate the impact of government environmental protection subsidies and environmental management system certification on green innovation. The above empirical results are still valid after a robustness test and can guide the formulation of government ERs, as well as corporate strategies for environmental management and GI.

Implementación de un sistema de gestión ambiental: recomendaciones para la pequeña y mediana industria

In recent years, the idea that business management must incorporate the criterion of protecting the environment, in addition to quality, safety and health, as an element of competitive advantage, has become increasingly latent. Improved efficiency, energy and raw material savings, as well as an improved corporate image, are just some of the advantages derived from implementing an environmental management system in the company (Fassoula & Rogerson, 2003). On the other hand, it also ensures compliance with the regulatory framework of the different environmental vectors. The development of the work is oriented to applied and/or descriptive research. That is, it shows a mechanism that facilitates the implementation of the environmental management system (EMS), based on the requirements of ISO-14001; the process of implementation of an environmental management system in an industrial malting plant in Lima, Peru, is taken as a reference. The application of this research shows the usefulness for small and medium companies, responsible for the implementation of an environmental management system (EMS); giving them a guide for the work. The research is based on the interpretation and analysis of environmental standards, mainly the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and ISO 14001, as well as others related to the subject in question. On the other hand, the difficulties and advantages involved in the implementation of this environmental management system, based on ISO 14001, are shown.

Awareness of employees on environmental management system at Maya Sanur Resort and Spa: A study applied to front office department

This study aims to assess the employees' awareness of Environmental Management System (EMS) in the Front Office Department of Maya Sanur Resort and Spa. This research collected data through observations and questionnaire distribution. The research sample employed a saturated sampling technique involving 30 respondents. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents via a QR barcode with online links. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS 26 for Windows software, employing frequency, mean, and standard deviation as data analysis techniques to evaluate the implementation of EMS in the front office department of Maya Sanur Resort and Spa. Additionally, correlation analysis was used to measure the relationship between employees' awareness and the implementation of EMS. The result shows that the correlation analysis results demonstrate a strong correlation between employees' awareness of EMS and its implementation in the front office department of Maya Sanur Resort and Spa, with a correlation coefficient value of 0,671. However, three areas still need to be optimal regarding saving energy. These areas include providing natural ventilation lighting, sub-optimal use of air conditioning, and inadequate rechargeable equipment and batteries, so it takes effort to remind each employee about the importance of implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the front office department to help companies increase their ability to improve environmental quality. Therefore, it is recommended that Maya Sanur Resort and Spa provide training for employees regarding implementing the EMS. This training should be conducted for all front office employees, including daily workers (DW) and trainees, to ensure they understand the importance of implementing the EMS and its impact on the hotel and the environment.

Green Supplier Assessment with Fuzzy Expert System Approach

Today, reasons such as increasing pollution on a global extent and limited raw material resources are increasing the interest in green supply chain management (GSCM). GSCM includes the processes starting from the very beginning of the production process of a product, completing the production, delivering the product to the customer, and recycling the product at the end of its useful life. Its main purpose is to eliminate or minimize the damages caused to the environment in all of these processes. In order to achieve this goal, it has great importance to assess the suppliers, which are one of the most important components of the production process, in terms of becoming a green supplier.
 
 In this study, a fuzzy expert system model has been developed to assess the green suppliers based on green production technology, environmental management system, pollution control, product cost, quality, and lead time criteria. Mean Square Error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) have been calculated to measure the performance of the developed model. These calculated values show that the green supplier assessment performance of the developed model is quite high.

Characteristics and basic rules for environmental management systems (ISO 1400), reality and obstacles of application in Yemeni industrial institutions: a field study in Taiz Governorate

Characteristics and basic rules for environmental management systems (ISO 1400), reality and obstacles of application in Yemeni industrial institutions: a field study in Taiz Governorate

Iso 14001 – Environmental Management System as A Strategic Tool for Companies in The Electric Sector

Objective: The objective of this study is the analysis of the ABNT NBR ISO 14001:2015 standard - Environmental Management Systems in organizations of the Electricity Sector as a strategic tool to answer the Environmental Questionnaire of the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3 - main index for the evaluation of ESG practices in the Stock Exchange. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this work is based on fundamental concepts of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), Environmental Management Systems and Corporate Sustainability. In addition, the research considers the hypothesis of the correlation between the implementation of ISO 14001 and a better performance in ISE B3. Stakeholder Theory and Corporate Social Responsibility Theory are relevant to understanding why companies should adopt sustainable practices and how this can influence their performance and reputation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research was qualitative, characterized as exploratory. A comparative documentary study was carried out between the requirements of ISO 14001 and the Questionnaire of the Environment Dimension of the Corporate Sustainability Index. The conformity and correlation between the items of ISO 14001 and the questions of the ISE B3 Questionnaire were evaluated, weighting them in three degrees of applicability. Results and Discussion: The results obtained highlight the strong correlation between ISO 14001 certification and compliance with the ISE B3 Questionnaire in the Environmental Dimension. In addition to adding value to operations and maintenance on environmental issues, ISO 14001 certification provides companies in the electricity sector with a competitive advantage by obtaining higher scores in sustainability indices. The adoption of an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System provides a structured path to environmental alignment and the incorporation of environmental management into the corporate sustainability strategy. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research highlight the importance of ISO 14001 certification as a strategy to meet the environmental demands of the financial market, highlighting the need to consider environmental, social and governance aspects for holistic business management in the electricity sector. These implications can encompass ISO standards and ESG criteria, environmental and business standards, as well as providing practical guidance for companies in formulating strategies that improve their performance and financial reputation. Originality/Value: This study contributes significantly to the research by presenting an innovative approach in the analysis of the ABNT NBR ISO 14001:2015 standard and its impact on the response to the Environmental Questionnaire of the Corporate Sustainability Index in the Electricity Sector. The results provide valuable insights into how Generation and Transmission companies can improve their environmental performance and sustainability index scores. It broadens the understanding of the practical applicability of ISO 14001 in the specific context of the financial market, positively impacting the area of study and professional practices in the field of corporate sustainability.

Agriculture and Climate Change: A Socio-Economic Dynamics of Climate-Smart Practices in Oubritenga Province, Burkina Faso

The issue of farmers' resilience to climate and natural resource degradation remains a major concern in Sahelian countries, including Burkina Faso. The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of farming practices in the province of Oubritenga in Burkina Faso, highlighting similarities and differences in climate-smart practices. To do this, a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) was used, combining surveys, individual interviews and focus groups. The results indicate that these practices were disseminated and adopted in Oubritenga province well before the 1980s, and that they have evolved in terms of adoption rates and improvements in recent years through research. The practices mentioned include sustainable land management (SLM), water and soil conservation practices/soil defense and restoration (WSC/SDR). Rural households are responding by adopting and reinforcing climate-smart farming practices that are considered more sustainable in the face of climate shock, soil degradation and greenhouse gas mitigation. It should be noted that other agricultural practices and techniques have been disseminated and adopted over time, in connection with mechanization and the promotion of technical production itineraries. This is a body of endogenous knowledge that coexists with technical production itineraries aimed at respecting the balance between nature and the well-being of living beings by integrating a sustainable land and environmental management system.

The impact of performance feedback on corporate ESG performance: Mediating role of environmental strategy.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of performance feedback (performance expectation surplus, performance expectation deficit) on corporate ESG performance, and this paper also to investigate the role of environmental strategy as a mechanism in the impact of enterprises' performance feedback on corporate ESG performance. The study used data from 3679 companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges for the period 2009-2021 and also measured the intensity of corporate environmental strategies through analysis. Finally, we used a fixed effects model to test the research hypothesis. This study shows that enterprise performance feedback positively affects corporate ESG performance and that environmental strategy plays a significant mechanistic role in enterprise performance feedback and corporate ESG performance. Overall, performance expectation surplus negatively affects ESG performance, performance expectation deficit positively affects ESG performance, and the mechanism of environmental strategy plays a significant role in performance expectation deficit and ESG performance. The results of this study can help enterprises establish a scientific environmental management system, strengthen the supervision of enterprise environmental management, and have certain reference significance for enterprises to speed up the implementation of environmental protection measures. This study adds to the literature by describing corporate ESG performance using performance feedback theory and explaining the inherent role of enterprise performance feedback in corporate ESG performance utilizing environmental strategies.

Экологические аспекты организации традиционного природопользования в ресурсодобывающем регионе

The purpose of the study is to develop a set of recommendations on preventive measures to organize balanced traditional environmental management in the resource-extracting region. The authors develop recommendations basing on the procedure for identifying environmental aspects. They present environmental aspects as one of the concepts of the international environmental management system and reflect the impact consequences of the activities of indigenous peoples on the environment. The research object as a resource-extracting region is the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area. The authors investigate the trends in the development of traditional environmental management associated with the active inclusion of this economy sector in the region economic activity and the use of modern technologies and the transformation of the centuries-old way of life of indigenous peoples. In this context, traditional activity is no longer considered simply as a way of providing the basic living needs of the indigenous population, but as a production activity, the management of which requires a procedure for identifying environmental aspects in accordance with the methodology of the national standard of the environmental management system GOST R ISO 14001-2016. The identified environmental aspects are ranked depending on the degree of impact and seasonality on a four-point scale. According to the analysis results, reindeer husbandry is currently a type of traditional activity that requires control and implementation of measures in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area. Other activity types, such as fishing and hunting, require control, while the collection of wild plants and the use of modern technical means of communication are in the zone of influence that does not affect the environment. Based on the analysis, the authors have developed recommendations for the organization of traditional environmental management in the resource-extracting region.

Strategy for Forming Neighborhood-Based Business Entities as A Motor for Community Economic Potential in Samarinda City, Indonesia

Government administration becomes a key success in developing the local potential sector. Mapping local potential, in this case, sub-districts is one of the important things to do to find and recognize economic potential that can be developed. Ideally, community economic activities at the sub-district level are carried out as institutions or business entities managed professionally but still rely on the area's potential. It can make community businesses more productive and effective. Thus, this study seeks to determine the potential for forming sub-district-based business entities as one of the economic drivers of the city of Samarinda. This study uses a qualitative approach to primary and secondary data. Also, the research location is 59 sub-districts in the city of Samarinda. A total of 59 village heads who were the target of this study, 55 people were willing to answer the questions. The data was analyzed using tabulating interviews through 9 blocks covering the Business Model Canvas components: Customer Segment, Value Proposition, Channel, Customer Relation, Revenue Stream, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure. Also, Business Model Canvas and SWOT analysis. The result indicates that 10 sub-district-based business models have the most potential to be developed in Samarinda City, namely trading businesses (groceries, restaurants), home industry businesses (weaving, beads, amplang, fish floss, herbal medicine), service businesses (workshops, transportation services, Savings and Loans, motorbike washing, haircuts, sewing), Use of land that is not (RTH), Service-based environmental management system (such as environmental safety and environmental cleanliness), Become a wholesaler, for goods/needs that are for public consumption. Homestead agricultural food sector business (mushroom business, etc.), freshwater fish management, waste recycling, and tourism.

Potential of Advanced Technologies for Environmental Management Systems

Abstract Environmental management systems (EMS) are essential in promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the adverse effects of human activities on the environment. As technology continues to advance, there is an increasing opportunity to utilize advanced technologies to improve environmental management systems. This article examines the potential of different advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), within the context of environmental management systems. This article intends to offer valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by examining the potential uses of AI, blockchain, big data, and IoT in environmental management systems. The goal is to demonstrate how these advanced technologies can be leveraged to enhance sustainability, boost environmental performance, and yield favourable environmental results across different sectors and industries.

Environmental regulation and corporate environmental performance: A bibliometric analysis

Under the concept of green development, enterprises will face more environmental constraints. Whether government environmental regulation (ER) can effectively promote corporate environmental performance (CEP) has not yet been unified among scholars, and few studies have conducted bibliometric analysis on ER and CEP. Based on the above, this study has three purposes: first, to fill the research gap by analyzing and visualizing 72 articles on ER and CEP through Biblioshiny and VOSviewer; second, to help scholars easily understand the research development and quickly find promising research directions; and lastly, to enable the government and corporate managers gain a more comprehensive view of ER’s impacts on CEP, which can assist in policy making and business management. The research found that: (a) the number of articles and citations in the field is on the rise. China is the most academically influential country in terms of publications, citations, and collaborations. Journal of Cleaner Production is the top-ranked journal. Ramanathan R, Testa F, and Zhang Y are the top three authors. Environmental management, sustainability, and China are the most popular keywords. Collaboration between authors, institutions, and countries is relatively weak and isolated. (b) ER and CEP have three emerging clusters: Climate Change, FDI, as well as Environmental Awareness, and three core clusters: Environmental Management, Data Envelopment Analysis, and Economic Analysis. The evolution of themes shows a trend from decentralized to centralized and then back to decentralized. (c) Future research can take the Regulatory Framework, Green Technological Innovation, and Environmental Management System as breaking points.

Evaluation of Environmental Management System for Small and Medium Enterprises in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

A system that manages environmental issues of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the time of acquisition of raw materials up to disposal of the product is not well clear, especially in Tanzania. Most of the studies have been conducted in the field of environment management but few of them address the evaluation of the management of SMEs activities with respect to the environment. Although the nature of activities of SMEs has little noticeable environmental implications at the individual level but the impact is large due to diversification and labour intensity of these SMEs. SMEs employ about 20% of the total labour force in Tanzania. Thus, the consequences on the environment are therefore very high. In this study both quantitative and qualitative research methods have been used to evaluate the awareness on Environmental Management Systems (EMS), the extent of implementation of EMS, tools used in EMS and Factors that hinder effective EMS. Descriptive and Factor analysis have been used as techniques for analyzing data. The study found a low level of awareness, whereby about 59% of respondents were slightly aware, on EMS, tools used for EMS were found to be more reactive tools than proactive tools. Whereas about 60% of SMEs are inappropriately and inadequately implementing elements of EMS according to ISO 14001. The study found critical factors with high influence on hindering the implementation of EMS including inadequate environmental consciousness of top leaders. It is recommended that more efforts should be invested in creating awareness, impacting the knowledge and skills of implementing the EMS as per ISO 14001 requirements at all levels of SMEs.

The Impact of Environmental Indicators on Consumer Purchase Decisions for Food Products

This research paper analyzes consumer expectations and priorities concerning environmental indicators within the food industry. The study’s overall objective was to understand the importance of various environmental indicators on consumer purchasing decisions. A survey was conducted in Poland, utilizing a representative sample to measure participants’ opinions. Respondents were asked to assess the importance of various environmental indicators in influencing their purchasing choices. The findings underscore a high demand among Polish consumers for environmental responsibility from companies operating in the food sector. Key indicators include the effectiveness of environmental management systems, pro-environmental investments, the promotion of environmental awareness, waste management, water conservation, and attention to supply chain and wastewater issues. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of consumer preferences, offering guidance for industry stakeholders and policymakers seeking to enhance sustainability practices and align their efforts with consumer expectations in the dynamic landscape of the food sector.

Holistic implementations of green supply chain management practices in Thai entrepreneurial ventures

PurposeTo critically examine the holistic implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in entrepreneurial ventures in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe study observed 121 organizations (or respondents) covering 13 industries from both the public and private sectors. The research process started with a semi-structured interview and observation, followed by focus group interviews. The data collected were then analyzed using content and thematic analysis methods.FindingsRespondents (chiefly entrepreneurial ventures) have good eco-knowledge. Most have more than 3–10 years of experience implementing eco practices that have significantly reduced their eco-impacts and costs. The study also revealed that firms’ directors developed environmental management systems (EMS) and cultures of their firms. This study rejected previously held beliefs that factors including country, firm size, industry type, years of activity and certification, impact both positively and negatively on green performance. However, the influence of top management, green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO), respondents’ different perceptions of the GSCM boundary and the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the success of GSCM’s implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe COVID-19 pandemic obstructed observing GSCM implementation at the respondents’ workplaces. This could reduce the validity of the research, as all evidence obtained was selectively provided by the respondents, not the researchers.Practical implicationsNew practitioners are encouraged to focus on green logistics (GL) at a firm level as opposed to the broader supply chain. Effective GL practices recommended utilities usage reduction, reuse/recycle waste and green procurement.Originality/valueGSCM researchers should focus on patterns of over-consumption, over-trading and relevant institutions that cause environmental unsustainability, rather than specific units in supply chains. The Buddhist sustainable sufficiency concept should be considered as a viable lens to analyze GSCM as it complements existing theories.

Exploring Sustainability in Wineries: Evaluating Food Safety and Environmental Management Aligning with the Farm to Fork Strategy

The Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy, a key initiative of the European Commission under the European Green Deal, strives to make the European Union’s (EU) economy sustainable. Focused on the food system, the F2F Strategy prioritizes sustainability in agriculture, eco-friendly practices, biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation. It targets high food safety (FS) and environmental management (EM) standards across the Agri-food Supply Chain (ASC). Addressing sustainability challenges in the wine industry, this study delves into the Wine Value Chain (WVC). Emphasizing the intricate sustainability interplay within the WVC, this study concentrates on FS and EM to ensure the long-term viability of wine production. The primary goal is to create a comprehensive sustainability evaluation method for wineries, incorporating performance indicators from FS and EM components. The methodology involves assessing Food Safety Management Systems (FSMSs), evaluating Environmental Management Systems (EMSs), investigating contamination risks, and synthesizing results into a sustainability matrix. Findings highlight commendable FS practices, such as widespread Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) adoption and underscore the need for increased EM focus. Notable figures include a 76.2% adoption of the HACCP system and 68.8% of wineries implementing an EMS. Performance indicators become critical for sustainability assessment, forming the cornerstone to gauge the industry’s effective sustainability management aligned with the F2F Strategy. This study stresses the holistic integration of FS and EM practices, providing insights into workforce engagement, regulatory compliance, and sustainable objectives. This research offers a tool for evaluating and advancing sustainability in the wine industry culminating in a sustainability matrix.

Effect of Genotype, Environment, and Their Interaction on the Antioxidant Properties of Durum Wheat: Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization and Sowing Time

In this study, the influence of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) on the content of total free phenolic compounds (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity (AC) was investigated, using sixteen durum wheat genotypes cultivated under seven crop management systems in Mediterranean environments. Possible correlations between TPC and AC with protein content (PC) and vitreous kernel percentage (VKP) were examined. Gs that exhibited stability across diverse conditions were studied through a comprehensive exploration of G × E interaction using a GGE biplot, Pi, and 𝘒R. The results indicated significant impacts of E, G, and G × E on both TPC and AC. Across E, the mean values of G for TPC, ABTS (2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) values were 48.8 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g, 121.3 mg TE/100 g, 23.0 mg TE/100 g, and 88.4 mg TE/100 g, respectively. E, subjected to splitting top-dressing N fertilization, consistently showed low values, while the late-sowing ones possessed high values. Organic crop management maintained a stable position in the middle across all measurements. The predominant influence was attributed to G × E, as indicated by the order G × E > E > G for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP, while for TPC, it was E > G × E > G. For TPC, the superior Gs included G5, G7 and G10, for ABTS included G3, G5 and G7, and for protein included G1, G9, and G16. G7 and G5 had a high presence of frequency, with G7 being the closest genotype to the ideal for both TPC and ABTS. These results suggest that the sowing time, nitrogen fertilization, and application method significantly impact the various antioxidant properties of durum wheat. This study holds significant importance as it represents one of the few comprehensive explorations of the impact of various Es, Gs, and their interactions on the TPC and AC in durum wheat, with a special emphasis on crop management and superior Gs possessing stable and high TPC and AC among them, explored by GGE biplot, Pi and 𝘒R. Further experimentation, considering the effect of the cultivation year, is necessary, to establish more robust and stable conclusions.

Changing Livelihoods, Development, and Cultural Practices: Reshaping Forests Among the Tau Taa Vana People

The Tau Taa Vana people live in the Bulang Highlands, Tojo Una-Una, in Central Sulawesi Province. The region's development has shaped the marginalization of forest-dwelling and forest-adjacent communities. From the 1980s to the 1990s, illegal logging networks served as the power holders, backed by Indonesia’s authoritarian regime of that time. Illegal logging destroyed a large part of the Tau Taa Vana's sacred forest (pengale kapali). As part of the massive logging agenda, the government launched many legal programs that further isolated the Tau Taa Vana people from their land. The first program was transmigration in 1995-1998, which converted sacred forests into plantation areas and worker camps. Meanwhile, the Tau Taa Vana people were forced to relocate from their forest livelihoods (pengale lipu). In 2014, development shifted towards government-supported gold and nickel extraction identified in the Tau Taa Vana people's traditional regions. The government's planned material extraction of the region has forced the Tau Taa Vana people to adapt traditional environmental management systems. In the past, the forest had three main functions, as the source of food, medicine, and livelihoods. Nowadays, those functions are reduced drastically and the sacred forest with the Kaju Marangka'a region as the center has lost its cultural importance. Tau Taa Vana people today use the remaining forests as the center of their resistance movements and consider it as their last bastion for cultural preservation. In this regard, the role of traditional healers (tau valia) has become even more critical amidst the lack of traditional elders.

THE STATUS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, ITS IMPROVEMENT ASPECTS UNDER COVID-19 CRISIS, AND ITS IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT IN JORDAN (AN APPLIED STUDY ON MINING INDUSTRIES SECTOR)

Objective: Identify the impact of the new conditions created by Covid-19 crisis on achieving sustainable environmental development by studying the environmental management system and the impact of improving energy use, improving water use, and improving the impact of emissions in Jordanian mining industrial companies in achieving sustainable environmental development as a useful framework in the post-pandemic recovery period. Research Design & Methods: The descriptive correlational method was used where a questionnaire. The research population consisted of specialists in of safety, environment, and occupational health in the Jordanian extractive industries and mining companies. A total of (8) companies were identified, of which the two largest companies were chosen as a cluster sample for this study: Arab Potash Company with 33 employees in safety and environment, and Jordan Phosphate Mines Company with 45 employees. Findings: The results showed from the point of view of the workers in the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and the Arab Potash Mines that there is a positive and statistically significant impact of improving aspects of the environmental management system in light of the Covid-19 crisis in general on sustainable environmental development by (77%). Conclusion: The results showed from the point of view of the workers in the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and the Arab Potash Mines that the level of improvement of the environmental management system in the field of energy use, in the field of water use, and in the field of the impact of gas emissions, ranges between medium and high level, and the results showed that there is a positive and statistically significant impact of improving aspects of the environmental management system (improving energy use, improving water use, improving the impact of gas emissions) in light of the Covid-19 crisis in general on sustainable environmental development by (77%).

Pollutant reduction effects of vertical environmental reform in China.

The vertical environmental reform in China has led to the change of environmental management system from territorial management model to vertical management model. This study uses the data of 263 prefecture-level cities in China to examine the effects of China's vertical environmental reform on pollutant emissions, including industrial sulfur dioxide, wastewater emissions, and industrial fumes emissions. The findings demonstrate that vertical environmental reform resulted in a reduction in industrial sulfur dioxide, wastewater emissions, and industrial fumes emissions. And the governance effects is gradually enhanced with the passage of time, which are long-lasting effects. The above conclusions are still valid after a series of robust estimates including mitigating selection bias, placebo test, changing the dependent variables, and mitigating heterogeneous treatment effects. According to heterogeneity analysis, the vertical environmental reform has reduced the increase of pollutants caused by financial pressure and official associations, and treats border pollution problems more effectively. Under the decentralized governance system, the implementation of vertical environmental management helps to reduce local pollutant emissions. This conclusion provides the latest evidence from China for the academic debate on the advantages and disadvantages of territorial environmental management and vertical environmental management and also provides policy implications for the government's environmental governance.