Introduction: The Rationale and Potential of Voluntary Approaches

Abstract

What are voluntary approaches? Are they an effective means to improve the environment? Which context and provisions enhance the performance of these new environmental policy instruments? Why would firms voluntarily commit themselves to pollution abatement? Is self-regulation potentially anti-competitive? This introductory chapter provides both an overview of the rationale and potential of voluntary approaches and a framework for understanding the relationships between the chapters of this book.

This book is derived from a European Concerted Action on Market Based Instruments for Sustainable Action funded by the Commission’s DG XII under its Environment and Climate RTD Programme.