Search

The environment and its protection are at present of general concern. In order to support all the action to be taken in this field a deep involvement of the people worldwide is required, especially that of various companies from all the industries. There are lots of means to support this initiative, ranging from the use of own methods implemented by internal procedures to the reward granted to eco conscious organizations, or the introduction of new environmental management systems. The creation of environmental management systems provides recognition among business partners, competitors, communities or employees. At the same time, specific instruments have been created at European and international level to analyze and manage the environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the trend towards implementation of environmental initiatives in the maritime and port sector. The introduction of environmental thinking and green management has been analysed to better understand the impacts on European ports. Moreover, drivers influencing port's environmental initiatives and their adoption were analysed empirically on the case of port of Koper which is classified as one of the leading environmentally friendly European ports. Based on an in-deep analysis of developed measures a wider used approach has been proposed which might be used as a platform by the ports in the region and also by other fast developing ports. It is obvious that ports will be forced to implement environmental objects in their long-term development plan. Obtained cognitions should help them to develop a scenario for faster introduction of objects and measures to obtain the status of a green port and follow sustainable development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to investigate how green certificates markets have developed in the European Union, with a view to producing consistent recommendations that could be used in future environmental strategies and policies to improve existing schemes for renewable energy promotion and support. Design/methodology/approach - The study was conducted by combining a wide variety of sources, such as regulations, position papers, road-maps, as well as articles and research reports. European experiences in using green certificates to support renewable energies were compared from the point-of-view of the legislative framework and national support systems. Findings -- The findings reveal that improvements in three major areas (legislative framework, national support systems, and cost reduction) are needed in order to achieve a better support for renewable energy generation. Practical implications - The conclusions justify the effort invested in developing green certificates markets and are relevant for policy makers in a very sensitive sector to accomplish sustainability goals - the use of renewable energy. The study may represent a starting-point for further research into renewable energy support systems, environmental issues and economic implications. Originality/value - The paper provides a rational and comparative approach for finding solutions to the problems of green certificates markets in the European Union. The methodology and the results reported in this research could be used for exploring green certificates markets opportunities in other European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UNEP- Resolutions 168Commission on Sustainable Development- Keynote Address (Al Gore) 183UN/ECE- Lucerne Declaration 185- Lucerne Conference - Conclusions from the Questionnaire regarding seven environmental conventions 187 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]