Policy Framework for Environmental Sustainability

Pollution Probe is pleased to post the results of two years of research and consultation on our Policy Framework for Environmental Sustainability Project. The evolution of various concepts and tools that help industry leaders reduce their environmental impact is a rich and fascinating subject that deserves more concerted study and encouragement.

The primary elements of the project include:

Initial Policy Framework — To frame the project, Pollution Probe developed an initial policy framework that set out the core elements it felt were needed to support environmental sustainability.

Concepts and Tools — Through consultation with various stakeholders, an initial set of concepts and tools that are important for industry and governments working towards environmental sustainability were identified. The emphasis was on examining concepts and tools that can assist industrial decision-makers, and the policy-makers who influence them, in improving the environmental sustainability of the decisions they make. (See also Concepts and Tools Presentations).

Case Studies — Twelve industrial case studies were developed to illustrate how the concepts and tools are currently being utilized by industry. Each case study was developed in collaboration with a leading company that had successfully applied and integrated the tools into its business activities.

Policy Considerations — The policy paper looked at a range of sustainability initiatives, key enablers that would lead industry to move forward on environmental sustainability, soft and hard policy approaches that have affected industrial decision making.

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) — The literature indicates that, in Canada, the level of interest in environmental issues is high in SMEs and it is often linked to the values of the owner. However, specific tools are need for SMEs, and the concepts and tools utilized for larger organizations are not easily transferred to SMEs.

Workshop Summary Report — Pollution Probe hosted a one-day workshop in January 2004. This multi-stakeholder meeting provided a project overview and summary of project results.