Voluntary Environmental Initiatives Research Articles

When Do Mandatory Electronic Waste Laws Crowd Out Voluntary Environmental Initiatives?

When Do Mandatory Electronic Waste Laws Crowd Out Voluntary Environmental Initiatives?

How Does Environmental Performance Contribute to Firm Financial Performance in a Multi-country Study? Mediating Role of Competitive Advantage and Moderating Role of Voluntary Environmental Initiatives

How Does Environmental Performance Contribute to Firm Financial Performance in a Multi-country Study? Mediating Role of Competitive Advantage and Moderating Role of Voluntary Environmental Initiatives

Green Dental Environmentalism among Students and Dentists in Greece

Ηuman sustainability in dental enterprises, as in every workplace, is connected to air and water quality, eco-friendly and naturally designed working spaces, and the culture of the 4Rs. The purpose of this study was to assess pro-environmental behavior, as well as knowledge of preferences for circular economies and green building construction, among a sample of dental students and dentists in Greece. We further assessed the factors influencing their choices. Students (N1 = 93) and dentists (N2 = 126) filled in e-questionnaires from April to December 2022. The data revealed that both students and dentists lack knowledge about the circular economy (N1 = 67.74%, N2 = 68.25%), EU regulations on amalgam disposal (N1 = 64.51%, N2 = 58.73%), and plastic recycling (N1 = 76.34%, N2 = 76.98%); meanwhile, they do recycle at home (N1 = 80.64%, N2 = 82.54%) and have participated in voluntary environmental initiatives (N1 = 58.06%, N2 = 66.66%). Gender influences the importance of factors related to green dental practices, with women students being more likely to agree that increased costs for network changes (p = 0.02) and poor wastewater management (p = 0.01) are significant. Students from urban areas are more likely to give positive answers to questions related to the lack of state financial support (p = 0.02), low levels of green design in buildings (p = 0.03), the negligible direct financial benefits of green dental offices (p = 0.04), the negligible reputational benefits of green dental offices (p = 0.02), and the lack of continuing education training seminars on green dentistry (p = 0.05). For dentists, no significant relationships were observed, except for a weak positive relationship for the increases in costs due to changes related to utility networks (p = 0.08), while increases in waste energy (p = 0.12) and the waste of dental materials (p = 0.19) seemed significant only for dentists in urban areas. Women dentists were more likely to answer positively regarding wasting energy (p = 0.024) and the use of unapproved disinfection products (p = 0.036). The findings contribute ideas and solutions for green dental practice buildings and sustainable behaviors through educational activities and regarding the social aspects of factors such as age, experience in dentistry, gender, and urbanism. This study also provides a basis for future multi-disciplinary research on dental quality assurance, the psychology of environmentalism, economics, and behavioral science in dentistry.

Environmental consequences of ISO 14001 in European economies amidst structural change and technology innovation: Insights from green governance dynamism

In this last decade, the green growth paradigm has attracted a lot of attention. In addition to protecting the environment and people, green growth also instigates other stringent responsibilities on organizations and governments. Thus, to maintain and protect the environment, organizations must provide support for complex environmental concerns under a governance-enabling regulatory framework. Voluntary environmental initiatives have shown to be an effective strategy for reducing pollution. Through a variety of means, including modifications to procedures, adjustments to raw materials, redesign of products and packaging, and innovations in pollution control technology, these voluntary projects seek to reduce pollution. In order to access this channel within the European countries, we investigate how environmental safeguards are affected by ISO 14001, Structural change, technological innovation, and green Governance. We also took cognizant of spatial inference of environmental pollution using spatial econometric models. According to our econometric findings, (i) obtaining ISO 14001 certification leads to a sizable decrease in carbon emissions in European nations. (ii) The findings indicate spatial agglomeration, and neighbouring nations' pollution patterns are comparable. Because of the physical agglomeration between nations, nations must work together to combat air pollution and ensure progressive, sustainable development.

Voluntary corporate climate initiatives and regulatory threat

Does participation in voluntary environmental initiatives affect firm value? We take a closer look at the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) and the Climate Leaders (CL), two US initiatives to curb carbon emissions that were operating during a decisive regulatory event. In 2009 the Waxman-Markey Bill surprisingly passed the House of Representatives and brought the US economy a big step closer to a nationwide CO2 emission trading system. With an event study we assess how the stock market valued membership in the initiatives when the likelihood of CO2 regulation unexpectedly increased. Our findings suggest that only membership in the market-based CCX was considered beneficial for a mandated carbon market. This is consistent with research that equity-based regulation through financial markets can help economies favor clean industries over dirty ones. We interpret the empirical results in a simple model. Adding earlier market reactions to the firms’ membership announcements, the model implies that the market had been betting on a mandatory emission trading system all along.

Can adopting ambitious environmental sustainability initiatives lead to business failures? An analytical framework

AbstractDrawing on environmental sustainability orientation and business failure literature, we examined a thought‐provoking question: “Can adopting ambitious environmental sustainability initiatives lead to business failures and under what conditions is this more likely?” To address this question, we developed an analytical framework that provides new insights into how voluntary environmental initiatives affect the business environment and firm competitiveness. This paper also yields new insights on the features that emerge at adopting environmental initiatives–business failure nexus: from greening to growing, from greening to sustaining, from greening to constraining, and from greening to collapsing. Accordingly, the study accounts for the conditions under sustainability initiatives, and a variety of complex contextual factors are likely to culminate in closures of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Although many top executives, entrepreneurs, and managers view implementation of environmental initiatives as tantamount to superior firm performance, the paper highlighted the effects of resource constraints and vulnerabilities of SMEs and new firms during the early stage of development, and therefore, pursuing aggressive green initiatives could minimize their life chances. Implications for scholars and practising managers are discussed.

Evaluation of environmental performance indices for ships

Pollution from ships is a significant environmental concern. Maritime environmental legislation has tightened in recent years since the introduction of the MARPOL 73/78 regulations, however there is often a significant time gap between when the regulations are adopted and when they legally enter force. The emergence of private voluntary environmental initiatives has occurred in an attempt to bridge this gap, reduce environmental impacts, and raise the environmental profile of ships. However, there are inconsistencies in the methodologies used to define ship performance, and the number and diversity of initiatives available for use can cause confusion, hindering progress towards greater sustainability. A critical analysis of existing environmental initiatives in the shipping industry has been conducted, challenging the applicability, scope, and environmental ambition of the methodologies adopted. The analysis highlights significant limitations of initiatives with regards to transparency, assessment rationale and environmental scope, and flexibility to be ship specific. Many show bias towards certain environmental indicators, while others have limited ambition. This paper challenges the effectiveness of existing environmental initiatives used in the shipping sector to promote environmental improvements beyond current regulatory requirements, and proposes an objective, quantifiable approach to assessing vessel environmental performance.

Ecosystem services valuation by pioneering companies

This study aims to identify the reasons for companies to invest in ecosystem services valuation (ESV). ESV is a voluntary environmental initiative (VEI) that intends to strengthen ecosystem services management, assess ecological sustainability of human activities, and rate and dissociate environmental and economic conditions. We identified 70 companies of 17 sectors and 18 countries currently undertaking ESV work, and classified their work according to levels of development. Additionally, we conducted interviews to better understand the reasons for such proactive behaviour. Among other findings, we discovered that pioneer companies tend to establish institutional partnerships to access to knowledge about ESV.

Ecosystem services valuation by pioneering companies

This study aims to identify the reasons for companies to invest in ecosystem services valuation (ESV). ESV is a voluntary environmental initiative (VEI) that intends to strengthen ecosystem services management, assess ecological sustainability of human activities, and rate and dissociate environmental and economic conditions. We identified 70 companies of 17 sectors and 18 countries currently undertaking ESV work, and classified their work according to levels of development. Additionally, we conducted interviews to better understand the reasons for such proactive behaviour. Among other findings, we discovered that pioneer companies tend to establish institutional partnerships to access to knowledge about ESV.

The Effects of Regulatory and Voluntary Environmental Initiatives on Firm Competitiveness

With growing awareness of environmental issues, tightening environmental regulation, resource scarcity and environmental degradation, firms are increasingly engaging in environmental initiatives. H...

The Barriers for Voluntary Environmental Management Systems—The Case of EMAS in Hospitals

The adoption of formal environmental management systems (EMS) according to EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) represents a voluntary approach that aims to increase corporate environmental performance. Though EMAS can offer several advantages for organizations, registration numbers are falling. In the hospital sector, the dissemination of EMAS is low. The question arises as to what hinders hospitals when planning, implementing, and maintaining such voluntary environmental management initiatives. The results from interviews with environmental managers in EMAS registered hospitals reveal problems such as high initial effort for creation of the required documents, or lacking knowledge and staff awareness. The barriers are presented in a model synthesizing the problems chronologically on the organizational, group, and individual level. The challenges for the adoption of EMAS as a voluntary environmental management approach in hospitals are discussed. This paper contributes by creating an understanding of the barriers organizations might face when implementing an EMS. Thus, measures to actively manage and overcome barriers can be developed by organizations, consultants, reviewers, policy makers, and researchers.

Is economically incentivized participation creating a greater interest into environmental certification? A case study from Lake Simcoe, Canada

Voluntary environmental initiatives (VEIs) are increasingly common within the tourism and hospitality sector. Consumers, however, are confused by the variety of initiatives available and recognition is low due to the few businesses within each one. Clean Marine, a VEI for the boating industry, has a high compliance rate from marinas, no marketing of the achievement, and low public awareness of the initiative. In this case, an economic incentive through decreased insurance premiums has created strong interest. This incentive has created less of a voluntary participation and more of an expected one that may create a greater adoption of environmental initiatives in the future. Management implications•Certification programs that are struggling with uptake could consider linking their program with an insurance premium or other wider business requirement to increase uptake.•Programs need to increase marketing of their programs to the public as the consumer is interested in sustainability efforts by businesses.,•Certifications within regions could band together in order to increase membership and therefore critical mass (e.g. Clean Marine is one of two marina certifications in Ontario hence the possible higher engagement).

Sustainability indexes: why join in? A study of the ‘Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE)’ in Brazil

In the past decade, indicators have been created to assess the sustainability performance of companies listed in stock exchange markets. Academics and practitioners expect companies to benefit from being listed in such indexes, but evidence of value creation is still scarce. Since virtually all studies about the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (Brazil) – the object of the present study – focused on the value of shares, we initially looked for answers in the finance theory. We collected secondary data about the financial and economic performance of companies forming the ISE's ‘theoretical portfolio’, as these kinds of indexes are also known. In a second stage, we sought additional motivations for companies to make efforts to be listed in the index. We collected additional data and interviewed representatives of key companies listed in the ISE, as well as industry leaders who chose not to participate in the selection process. The results support the main propositions of the institutional theory, as well as the ‘pays to be green’ literature – that the intangible value created by voluntary environmental initiatives, such as access to knowledge, new capabilities and reputational gain, better explain the efforts companies make to be listed in the ISE index.

Environmental Policies for Sustainable Development: An Analysis of the Drivers of Proactive Environmental Strategies in the Service Sector

AbstractThis article examines the drivers of environmental proactivity in the service sector. Hypotheses were tested using multiple hierarchical regression analysis with data from a sample of 41 managers in Spanish environmental consulting companies. Results show statistically significant relationships between (1) managers’ attitude towards sustainable development, (2) positive short‐term firm performance and (3) the strategic attitude of environmental consulting firms and the adoption of proactive environmental strategies by the studied companies.This article is pioneering in the analysis of drivers of corporate proactive environmental strategies in the consultancy sector. The findings have practical implications for policy‐makers, investors and other agents interested in a better management of the environment. Economic incentives such as subsidies to environmental training programmes for managers can induce changes in cognitive components of managers’ attitudes. Education policies could also affect managers’ attitudes towards the environment. Companies may also encourage attitude change by providing their managers with financial assistance to receive environmental training. External assistance to develop a strategic attitude could be an interesting policy to encourage voluntary environmental initiatives. Finally, fiscal deductions, tax breaks or subsidies to those companies interested in managing the environment can be effective incentives for those firms facing a weak short‐term financial situation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment

The Political Ecology of Palm Oil Production

The paper analyses the social and environmental issues involved in disputes relating to the sustainability of the palm oil industry. These disputes have been aired in and around the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. We start by developing a review of types of voluntary environmental initiative or green clubs, as they have also been called, in this context. The study is based on extensive fieldwork in the setting of the disputes (the island of Borneo) and analysis of the different levels in the global value chain of the palm oil industry, including local organizations, the industry structure overall, as well as the local governments of Malaysia and Indonesia. The use of the political ecology framework for the analysis of the palm oil industry contributes not only to the development of a more institutional-power perspective, but also provides solid grounds for the understanding of green clubs – an increasingly important type of organization.

Determinants of interest in eco-labelling in the Ontario wine industry

The purpose of this research was to explore the degree interest from members of the Ontario wine industry in an eco-labelling program for the Ontario wine industry to compliment the current voluntary environmental initiative and to identify barriers and motivations to participation. Structured face-to-face interviews with members of the Ontario wine industry were used to assess interest and motivations and barriers. The qualitative data was coded and analysed for common themes. All industry members interviewed indicated that they would consider participating in an eco-labelling program. Motivations included continuing environmental improvement, increased visibility and improved public perception. Deterrents included time and money required to obtain certification and the format of the program. These results indicate a high degree of interest from Ontario wine industry members in developing a formalized eco-certification and labelling program to accompany the existing voluntary environmental initiative. These results could help the Ontario wine industry decide whether to move forward with such a program. Additionally, the results shed light more generally on factors that may motivate or deter industries from participation in eco-labelling programs. There is currently little research investigating the potential for eco-labels in the wine industry and the majority of that which exists tends to focus on consumer interest rather than industry interest or willingness. Additionally, there is limited research on the potential for eco-labelling in the Ontario or Canadian wine industries.

The impact of voluntary programs on polluting behavior: Evidence from pollution prevention programs and toxic releases

We investigate how a class of voluntary environmental initiatives known as pollution prevention (“P2”) programs affect toxic pollution. We construct a data base of federal and state-level P2 programs and exploit variation in adoption dates and program characteristics to study their effects on facility-level releases. We find convincing evidence that these mechanisms alter polluter behavior. In particular, we find that (1) state P2 programs had a significant impact on average facility level toxic releases, reducing annual releases by 11–15%; (2) for every $100,000 of federal matching funds awarded for state P2 activities, average facility level releases in the recipient state declined on the order of 1–1.5%; (3) P2-induced reductions are significantly enhanced by information spillovers, diffused primarily via industry networks rather than geographic proximity; (4) facilities respond to technical assistance programs by reducing toxic releases, but only for substances that are not simultaneously regulated by formal command and control strategies; and (5) facilities respond to filing fees and non-reporting penalties by altering their toxic releases, but only for chemicals that are easily monitored by regulators.

A social-ecological approach to voluntary environmental initiatives: the case of nature-based tourism

This paper addresses the role of voluntary environmental initiatives by the tourism industry to alleviate social dilemmas for the management of natural resources. The objective is to explore whether previous findings on the determinants of voluntary action in the management of common-pool resources (CPR) also apply to a sector, such as tourism, where non-extractive uses are dominant. The paper applies the social-ecological systems framework recently developed by Ostrom (Science, 325, 419–422, 2009) to analyze qualitative data from meta-analyses of successful voluntary environmental initiatives in tourism. Results show that the determinants of voluntary action in tourism are partially consistent with previous research on CPR, finding relevant the presence of leadership, norms of behavior among members of the voluntary initiatives, shared mental modes, salience of the resource for users, and substantial productivity of the resource system in the likelihood of self-organization. However, other variables that have been shown to be relevant in non-tourism CPR situations are not supported by this analysis, such as: most variables regarding the ecological system (its size, predictability, and the mobility of its derived resource units) as well as the number of users and supportive collective choice rules that enable users to craft and enforce some of their own rules. The implications of this partial mismatch in findings are not straightforward. The paper presents a set of research questions that open a path for further research.

Corporate sustainability, ecological modernization and the policy process in the South African automotive industry

AbstractIn the past decade, the plea for corporate sustainability has gathered momentum and protecting the environment is one aspect for organizations to address if they are to conduct business in a sustainable manner. In this paper, we present the results of a questionnaire survey on the state of corporate sustainability within the South African automotive industry. The survey focused on the meaning and relevance of sustainability to South African automotive companies, and their use of different approaches to implement sustainability in corporate practice. On this score, the paper seeks to analyze and compare the levels of voluntary environmental initiatives between large and small and medium‐sized enterprises within the automotive milieu. Survey results reveal that a majority of automotive companies have sought to improve their environmental performance by integrating environmental considerations into their core activities. Although the majority of these companies have standardized EMSs, our analysis reveals considerable differences between companies' approaches to corporate sustainability. In particular, they varied in the extent to which procedures were formalized and documented behind the corporate rhetoric of a high commitment to sustainability. The paper concludes by prescribing a number of recommendations as to how to engage and promote more widely the South African automobile manufacturing companies in environmental change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

A dynamic approach to voluntary environmental contributions in tourism

In an evolutionary game-theoretical model of tourism firms that use an endogenous natural Common Pool Resource (CPR) we show that stable equilibria with voluntary environmental initiatives may coexist with other equilibria where voluntary abatement is absent. The basins of attraction of the equilibria are identified and a bifurcation analysis is carried out producing two results with policy implications. First, there is a highly non-linear relationship between the cost of abatement required to be green and the share of green firms. Second, increases in the number of the CPR's users will ultimately dissipate the incentives to make abatement beyond regulation.