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The starting point for this research was the analysis of voluntary approaches and of the context which could facilitate them and increase their potential. However, this does not exclude the fact that these instruments can only function in the context of a coherent environmental policy as a whole, meaning a more heterogeneous mixture of market-based instruments and voluntary tools as well as a major effort on behalf of the state to promote them, to inform and educate the stakeholders, and to provide support mechanisms. Environmental management systems, the instruments and the practices identified at the level of private companies have a significant role in encouraging the ecological performance of the companies; however, the interviews have demonstrated that this type of systems need facilitation performed by the state, that voluntary approaches do not work separately from the rest of the environmental policy, and that incentives are needed in order to co-interest the companies. Facilitation needs to involve public policies, the market, ethic consumption, and a favorable economic context in which consolidated values and behaviors from a social point of view can manifest themselves [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article is part of a larger PhD research conducted in 2014. The subject is relevant today in the context of preparations for implementation of Directive 2014/95/UE, and the policy objectives related to the non-financial reporting by companies in the EU. The article presents an instrument that helps the assessment process of sustainability practices of private organzations, given the explanations for each dimension and indicator, it can be used as a starting point in developing a sustainability policy for a private organization. Also, the results of applying the instrument to the private companies in Romania are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]