国际海底区域矿产资源开发环境管理规则制定与应对

随着国际海底区域矿产资源开发日益向现实趋近,国际海底管理局开始制订“区域”矿产资源的开发规章,对“区域”矿产资源开发及相关环境保护要求作出规定。开发规章规定了包括环境管理和监测计划以及环境管理系统在内的环境管理规则。但目前,各国围绕环境管理和监测计划的标准、环境管理系统的内涵、独立专家的权限及其意见的效力、开发活动与海底电缆管道保护的关系仍存在明显的分歧与争议。我国应积极参与开发规章环境管理规则的谈判,提出“中国方案”,主张开发规章应体现《联合国海洋法公约》及其《第十一部分执行协定》的有关规定,实现资源开发利用与生态环境保护之间的合理平衡。     

Implementing stricter environmental regulation to enhance eco-efficiency and sustainability: a case study of Shandong Province’s pulp and paper industry, China

There has been much debate on the topic of whether stricter environmental regulations can promote environmental performance and economic performance at the same time. Different researchers have used different indicators to measure environmental performance and economic performance in their empirical studies. However, it is a surprise that few studies have checked the relationship between environmental regulation and eco-efficiency, as the latter is widely regarded as a quite powerful tool of considering ecology and economy together.In this study the background is the implementation in 2003 of the Stricter Discharge Standard (SDS) in Shandong Province’s Pulp and Paper Industry (SPPI), compared to the national standards of China. The stricter regulations were intended to promote corporate change from passive management to active control and from end-of-pipe treatment to cleaner production. This study investigated the eco-efficiency trends of SPPI from 2001 to 2008 in three fields: water efficiency, energy efficiency and environment efficiency. A “de-linking” and “re-linking” tool was used to attain a further evaluation. The study showed that with the implementation of stricter regulation most of the efficiency indicators (except CO₂ emission and energy consumption) had achieved significant improvements, and the overall environmental performance trends of SPPI showed it to be more sustainable. However, the study also found that it was not enough to address a single indicator in the environmental regulation of the pulp and paper industry. More holistic eco-efficiency indicators need to be further considered and introduced to the industry as the next step to create true sustainable development.     

Policy guidance for identifying and effectively managing perpetual environmental impacts from new hardrock mines

Perpetual environmental management at operating and proposed hardrock mines is a rapidly expanding global dilemma. While economies of scale have encouraged larger mines, improved models routinely predict long-term water quality degradation at sulfide metal mines. Technical causes include oxidation of sulfide minerals and seepage from waste rock, tailings, and pit wall rock. Perpetual treatment is usually less expensive than permanent stabilization, even using 2% “risk-free” investment return rate; but this option greatly increases the social and financial complexity. A few regulations address perpetual management, but specific requirements range from formal acceptance to complete prohibition. With vague regulations, predictions of long-term impacts often delay permitting as operators and regulators grapple with model uncertainty and regulatory ambiguity. Risk management tools (e.g., insurance, inflation-protected investments, etc.) can reduce but cannot eliminate risk, and their continued availability is uncertain. What regulators and mine operators need – but do not have – is a clear framework to guide them in developing perpetual management plans that balance risks (e.g., uncertainty in predictions, cost, finance, and governance) and ensure responsible environmental and social stewardship. This paper responds with a review of perpetual mine management issues, including technical causes, policy examples, investment tools, case studies, technical remedies, and principles for successful long-term management.     

Cleaner production as a means for effective environmental management

Cleaner production is a strategy to prevent emissions at the source and to initiate a continuous preventive improvement of environmental performance of organizations. In terms of Cleaner production the focus of management should be on prevention rather than on cure in avoiding environmental problems. The inclusion of commitment to prevention in the environmental policy is one prerequisite of the standard ISO 14001. But how can a formalized environmental management system help to start a process of continuous improvement and voluntary self regulation? We conclude from our experience that Cleaner production and ISO 14001 go well together and support each other in helping an organization to really decrease its environmental effect. Analysing environmental management systems introduced on the basis of Cleaner production projects demonstrates, that Cleaner production supplies management and employees with systematic tools to decrease the environmental impact and at the same time save costs from inefficient use of materials and energy and motivates the organization as well by creating awareness throughout the enterprise.     

Why do firms engage in environmental management? An empirical study in China

There are increasing pressures being put on firms, from a number of different sources, such as governmental regulation, community participation and market demand, to engage firms in environmental initiatives. These factors play different roles at various development periods. Government regulation was the major pressure, initially. However, community participation and market demand have become more and more important. Thus a better understanding of the determinant factors that play a role in engaging firms to take environmental management initiatives may help policy makers develop more effective environmental policies. Using data collected from 89 firms in Wujin county of Jiangsu Province, China, this paper developed an index system to evaluate the corporate environmental management performance. Furthermore, we used econometric methodology to identify the main factors that probably shape corporate environmental management performance, including both external pressures and firm characteristics. The results showed that pressures from supply chain, customers, and communities played positive roles in engaging firms to improve environmental management performance. However, the pressure from the regulatory system did not implicate positive effect on environmental management performance when basic compliance is not an issue in the region anymore. The results also showed that firms with larger scale will be more active in engaging in environmental management initiatives. Finally, our results suggest that: (a) regulation's stimulation may be reduced as long as firms have complied with requirements of local environmental standards and other environmental laws; (b) policy makers should pay more attention to market and information instruments; (c) more financial and technical support should be provided to encourage small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve environmental performance.     

Using structural equation modeling to test environmental performance in small and medium-sized manufacturers: can SEM help SMEs?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), defined as manufacturers employing 500 or fewer people, represent an estimated 70–98% of the manufacturing population globally and together have the potential to significantly impact the environment. Many of these small manufacturers throughout the world are not in compliance with environmental regulations, and even fewer see the need to focus on pollution prevention, implement environmental management systems, or to use life-cycle management or other proactive environmental management practices. A validated environmental performance model for SMEs holds the promise of providing a roadmap to more productive environmental results. This paper discusses structural equation modeling as a useful methodology to validate environmental performance models.The paper shares some insights from the use of structural equation modeling, which was used to evaluate the development of an environmental performance model for SMEs. The model was based on the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria. We review SEM methodology and share results from a population of SMEs in the plastics manufacturing sector. Fit statistics confirmed the overall model fit, but not all of the paths in the model were statistically significant. An assessment of the non-significant paths (from leadership and from the system components of the model to environmental results) led the authors to conclude that an improved definition of environmental results is critical. Education of SMEs on the benefits of improved environmental performance is also warranted.     

Development of environmental management system in China's financial sector

The establishment of the environmental management system in the financial sector can be effectively promoted through the introduction of the environmental protection concept and its implementation by the financial sector. The impact of a sustainable development system on the sector is analyzed in this article from three aspects: environmental risk assessment, financing support for environmental protection projects, and financial services to environmentally friendly corporations and individuals. Influential factors on the development of the environmental management system in China’s financial sector are discussed from the perspective of various entities such as financial institutions, financial regulation authorities, environmental protection departments, corporations, and the public. It is pointed out that China’s financial sector is now in the transitional phase from a defensive attitude to a preventive attitude. Strengthening governmental guidance, the supervision of regulators as well as public awareness of environmental protection should be used to enhance the initiative in the development of the environmental management system in the Chinese financial sector.     

环境规制的蓝色红利效应研究

利用中国工业企业数据库2004~2009年制造业企业数据,以清洁生产目录标准的政策实施为外生冲击事件,基于倍差估计法（DID）实证检验了环境规制对企业盈利能力、盈利质量、波特效应和管理创新成本等蓝色红利的影响.结果发现：环境规制显著提升了制造企业的利润率和企业的现金流充裕性,改善了企业的盈利能力和盈利质量;环境规制显著降低了企业管理创新成本,但波特效应不显著.环境规制的蓝色红利效应存在地方策略互动、企业规模和所有制的异质性：地方政府之间的策略性不合作抑制了环境规制蓝色红利效应.企业规模的扩大提高了管理创新成本,但强化其他相关的蓝色红利效应.环境规制对国有企业的利润率、现金流以及全要素生产率的改善作用强于非国有企业,但更有助于降低非国有企业的管理创新成本.     

How environmental management driving forces affect environmental and economic performance of SMEs: a study in the Northern China district

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the core of societal and economic development. However, most people query on the implementation and performance of environmental management. In this paper, the manufacturing SMEs in Northern China with different pollution levels are studied to explore the main forces (e.g., government, society, market, and enterprise itself) driving SMEs for promoting environmental management. It focuses on the correlation between environmental management and economic performance for SMEs at different pollution levels. The results show that SMEs of different pollution levels have significant differences in the relationship of driving forces and performance. First, for SMEs with high-pollution levels, social and market driving forces and government incentives are revealed having a significant effect on their environmental performance. Driving forces from within the enterprise itself and the market provide a positive effect on the economic performance, while social forces have a negative effect. Second, for SMEs with light pollution, social and market driving forces, and government assistance play a supporting role on corporate environmental performance improvement. It is also found that the driving force of the enterprise itself does not have a significant effect on the environmental performance for SMEs with different pollution levels. In addition, the environmental performance and economic performance for SMEs with high or light-pollution levels are positively correlated. Further, it shows that the environmental performance is moderately correlated with financial indices, but not significantly with the non-financial indices.     

影响中小企业实施积极主动型环境策略的管理因素分析

通过对以往实证性研究文献的回溯,分析了影响中小企业作出积极主动型环境策略选择的某些管理层面的因素及其变化,并提出了今后我国在该领域的研究方向和建议。     

Improving cleaner production through the application of environmental management tools in China

Cleaner Production (CP) as a strategy for reducing negative environmental impacts throughout the production processes avoids and decreases pollution at its source and increases the competitiveness of enterprises. Since the establishment of China's goal for quadrupling its gross domestic product between 2000 and 2020, while improving its environmental performance and maintaining social stability, ‘win-win’ concepts such as CP are playing an increasingly prominent role in the country's development plans. Consequently, China's efforts to create a favourable policy and institutional framework for the promotion of CP that includes its unique national “CP Promotion Law” which governs the implementation of all CP activities in the country are encouraging. However, China has encountered significant challenges in improving, on a large scale, the environmental performance of its industries. Factors such as the difficulty in mainstreaming CP in industries, limited institutional resources as well as constraints in financial and technical resources of small and medium-sized enterprises have hindered the widespread adoption of CP. In addition, due to local peculiarities and disparities, different regional approaches for its implementation have evolved. This paper describes and analyses how the application of an environmental management tool in Zhejiang Province has enhanced the environmental, economic and organisational benefits of CP in enterprises.     

Technology-based industrial environmental management: a case study of electroplating in Shenzhen,China

Severe industrial pollution has largely hindered the sustainable development of China. Taking Shenzhen’s electroplating industry as a case, this article investigates the current status of the industry and proposes a specialized policy framework to push its environmental innovation. There is a relatively complete environmental management system in Shenzhen’s government, but it does not work well when dealing with the electroplating industry, mainly because it lacks regulation aiming at production technology, which is the underlying decisive factor of the environmental performance of the industry. So, we first develop an evaluation criterion, which incorporates a technological index about whether enterprises engage identified obsolete technologies. With this evaluation criterion, enterprises are classified into “advanced” and “obsolete”. Then, we propose specific policy suggestions for different types of enterprises, including command and control mixed with economic tools, voluntary agreements, establishing electroplating parks, and improving current management system. Finally, we assess the impact of the policy proposal and prove it to be conducive to the sustainable development of the industry and conclude it from a more general perspective.     

公众环境关注、环境规制与中国能源密集型产业动态

自十八大以来,公众环境治理与环境规制成为影响能源密集型产业动态的重要因素。基于2011—2016年百度指数数据与中国海关进出口数据库,将能源密集型产业面临的环境压力划分为公众环境关注、非正式环境规制和正式环境规制,采用Logit模型综合探讨了环境压力对能源密集型产业动态的影响。研究发现：公众环境关注显著降低了能源密集型产业进入的概率,除环境建议与提案外,其他非正式与正式的环境规制均能够抑制能源密集型产业的进入。此外,在公众环境关注度高的区域,非正式和正式的环境规制对能源密集型产业进入的抑制作用更强。     

珠江口及毗邻海域环境保护相关立法研究

针对珠江口及毗邻海域日益严峻的环境污染与生态破坏问题,本文从完善相关的海洋环境保护立法角度出发,通过分析我国现有海洋环境法律法规的不足和缺陷,结合珠江口及毗邻海域在经济发展和环境保护中遇到的实际问题,提出了制定该区域海洋环境管理条例、海岸带管理条例、人海河口区水环境质量标准、海洋环境质量标准以及修改<广东省水污染物排放...     

The drivers for contractors’ green innovation: an industry perspective

In the construction industry, contractors have been facing the challenge to meet the emerging needs related to the reduction of environmental impacts during the construction process. Generally, the commitment of efforts and resources from contractors to meet these needs is motivated by the influence exerted from environmental regulations and stakeholder demands. However, managerial environmental concerns and size of firms also account as key factors affecting the adoption of green construction practices. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify those factors influencing contractors to adopt green construction practices by using data gathered from a survey. From the results, it has been found that managerial concern is the most important driver for the adoption of green practices. Significant relationships have also been found between government regulations and business size with the adoption of green construction practices. However, there is no significant evidence on the relationship among the adoption of green construction practices with perceived stakeholders’ pressures. The findings from this study are significant in the understanding on the factors of green construction management. This knowledge may contribute to better decision-making towards implementing green construction practices.     

企业环境管理会计核算框架与方法研究

企业环境管理会计从环境的角度,将企业的环境影响纳入到环境会计的核算范围之内,构建一些实物型或价值型的环境业绩指标,表达企业对环境造成的影响或损害。本文立足于国际环境会计应用案例,结合财务会计特征和我国目前的环境教据基础,研究提出了中国企业环境管理会计的基本内涵和方法框架,并就如何加强企业环境管理会计的应用进行了讨论。     

跨国公司的环境管理现状及影响因素分析

通过对企业的问卷调研及环境监测数据分析,讨论了跨国公司在华投资企业的环境管理现状,认为其环境管理和环境投资水平均略优于其他类型企业,并已经进入过程管理阶段,而企业规模是环境绩效差异的重要原因.运用企业组织理论,分析了影响在华投资企业的环境管理工作的外部因素和内部驱动力,发现企业的环境管理决策主要受到强制性的环境政策影响.     

Improving environmental awareness training in business

The need for and the benefits of a more sustainable approach to business management have been widely discussed in the literature. Many organizations have engaged in environmental management initiatives to improve their environmental performance and have found other benefits to the process, such as financial savings and reduced risk of liability. However, many constraints can inhibit the transformation to an environmentally conscious and responsible organization. These constraints include issues related to organizational culture and change management. To overcome these constraints and succeed in implementing a successful environmental management initiative, the literature suggests the importance for members of the organization of understanding the environmental impacts and policies of the organization through participation in environmental awareness training efforts that produces enduring knowledge and commitment. Armed with this knowledge, employees can then understand how the environment can affect and be affected by their duties and decisions. Various companies have used different approaches to environmental management training. It is important that organizations evaluate the efficiency of their training investment to ensure that the benefits will be generated. A case study of two electricity companies is used to illustrate the importance of evaluating environmental awareness efforts. The results of the study suggest that the training performed did not sufficiently increase employee environmental awareness of the company's environmental impacts despite a considerable time and financial investment in a one-time environmental awareness training program. Results are briefly discussed and recommendations are made to improve the results of the training investment.     

全球可持续发展中民间规制策略分析

本文简要评析了国际经济与社会可持续发展中民间规制的现状,指出尽管国际民间规制对规范与提升国际经济行为发挥了十分积极的作用,一定程度上弥补了政府公共治理的局限,但无论是在国际上还是国内范围,它们都不足以成为经济发展进程中政府规制的替代品.