Inhaltsangabe:Einleitung: In den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten sind die Auswirkung industrieller Aktivität auf die Umwelt immer mehr zu einem Thema in der gesellschaftlichen Diskussion geworden. Unternehmen sind heutzutage mit hohen Erwartungen in Bezug auf die Umweltfreundlichkeit ihrer Aktivitäten konfrontiert. Diese Diplomarbeit konzentriert auf das Konzept der Abfallvermeidung, das den meisten Umwelt-Strategie zugrunde liegt. Viele Unternehmen haben Abfallvermeidung bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt jedoch noch nicht eingeführt. In dieser Arbeit wird Abfallvermeidung vornehmlich aus dem Blickwinkel dieser Unternehmen analysiert. Ein kurzer Überblick über die relevanten Begriffe und Konzepte wird gegeben. Danach werden die Bedrohungen für die Unternehmensleistung erörtert, die von ökologischer Gesetzgebung, versteckten Kosten, ISO Standards und den Erwartungen diverser Stakeholder herrühren. Anschließend werden die potentiellen, von Abfallvermeidung bewirkten Nutzen und Vorteile, die die gesamte Organisation umfassen, beschrieben und evaluiert. Diese sind unter anderem zu finden in Effizienzsteigerungen, Stärkung der Organisationsstruktur und Mitarbeiter-Engagement. Eine kritische Analyse dieser Vorteile führt nicht zu fundamentalen Kritikpunkten, sondern unterstreicht eher die Notwendigkeit für eine rationale Herangehensweise an ökologisches Management. Zum Abschluss werden Empfehlungen zur Einführung von Abfallvermeidung in Unternehmen, die dieses Strategie noch nicht verfolgen, gegeben. Darunter fallen unter anderem die Integration von Abfallvermeidung in die übergreifende Strategie, Kostenidentifikation und Abfallvermeidungsprogramme, die zum Empowerment von Mitarbeitern beitragen. Schlussendlich wird betont, dass Abfallvermeidung erst der erste Schritt in Richtung nachhaltiger ökonomischer Entwicklung ist. Abstract: During the past two decades the impacts of industrial activities on the environment have become a prominent issues in debates on economic development. Nowadays, Companies are confronted with high expectations in terms of environmental protection. This thesis focuses on the concept of pollution prevention, which underlies most environmental strategies. Many companies, however, have not yet implemented pollution prevention. In this thesis pollution prevention is primarily evaluated from the perspective of such firms. As a starting point a short overview of terms and concepts in the pollution prevention area is given. Following this [...]

Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues presents tools and concepts about environmental policies in several developed and developing countries. It explores a broad survey of ecological modernization theory, ecological feminism theory, environmental justice theory, the concept of sustainability, and research on environmental policies. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, and are used to analyze social, economic, and environmental impact on people. The book specifically discusses how the earth’s basic life-supporting capital (soils, forests, species, fresh water and oceans) is degraded or depleted to provide for human needs, and how air pollution and acid precipitation, are causing widespread injury to humans, forests, and crops. Realistically, over-taxing of natural resources and ecological systems throughout the world has promoted economic growth and created increasing opportunities for people while also advancing social injustice. The use of the environment to accomplish social and economic transformation raises fundamental issues for the study of environmental policy and the natural ecological system. As human beings exploit the natural environment to meet present needs, they often will destroy resources needed for the future generations. Thus, environmental policies are enacted to ensure that social and economic impacts of the environment are compatible with the limits of natural systems. Offering an intuitive and crystal-clear explanation of the key concepts and principles of environmental policies and sustainable development, this volume is suitable not only for environmental science students, but also for instructors, practitioners, researchers, and academics.

This book provides readers with cutting-edge techniques that can be applied to energy and environmental economics. Further, it highlights the effects that both globalization and economic growth have on the environment. In addition to offering a broader perspective on the relationship between environmental pollution, energy consumption and economic growth, the book studies the relationship between economic growth and environmental damage by drawing on the theoretical hypothesis of the Environmental Kuznets Curve. The book presents new econometric techniques and innovative approaches to the study of the energy economy. Accordingly, it can be used to help analyse the current state of the energy economy, the environment and globalization, and can serve as a theoretical reference manual for doctoral students and academics seeking new analytical techniques.

In the recent years the number of industrial parks has grown rapidly worldwide driven by economic policies and industrial restructuring. The high resource consumption and prices as well as stringent environmental policies and laws have pushed the strategic importance of efficient resources management. Due to the proximity of companies, industrial parks offer potential for the development of interorganizational resource exchanges, in terms of energy and waste, infrastructure sharing and joint services. Utilizing this potential enhances the resource efficiency and added value of companies while often reducing their environmental impacts. Efficient management of resources in industrial parks requires an appropriate management concept. However, the research and literature on the management of industrial parks is very limited. As a solution the author introduces the concept for integrated resources management. The theoretical status quo of the concept is studied from the perspective of industrial ecology with the conclusion that the approach lacks a strategic management dimension. To tackle the problem, the author draws upon the strategic management and organizational theories as well as the approaches of network and environmental management. The empirical insights into the concept are sought by analyzing applied practices to network and resources management in industrial parks. The case studies comprise representative examples of successful industrial restructuring from Germany such as DOW ValuePark(R) and Chemical Industrial Park Marl and showcases of China's economic policy such as Shanghai Chemical Industry Park and Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area. A reader will find in this book a sound theoretical framework to accommodate further research and practical decision support to manage resource problems characterized by conflicting stakeholder interests.

This Handbook discusses the main issues, research, and theory on business and the natural environment, and how they impact on different business functions and disciplines

Hotter temperatures, less arctic ice, loss of habitat-every other day, it seems, global warming and environmental issues make headlines. Consumer-driven environmental awareness combined with stricter recycling regulations have put the pressure on companies to produce and dispose of products in an environmentally responsible manner. Redefining indus

​This book contains a collection of research papers on accounting information systems including their strategic role in decision processes, within and between companies. An accounting system is a complex system composed of a mix of strictly interrelated elements such as data, information, human resources, IT tool, accounting models and procedures. Accounting information systems are often considered the instrument by default for accounting automation. This book aims to sketch a clear picture of the current state of AIS research, including design, acceptance and reliance, value-added decision making, interorganizational links, and process improvements. The contributions in this volume emphasize that AIS has grown into a powerful strategic tool. The book provides evidence for this observation by examining a wide range of current issues ranging from theory development in AIS to practical applications of accounting information systems. In particular it focuses on themes of growing interest in the realm of XBRL and Financial Reporting, Management Information Systems, IT/IS Audit and IT/IS Compliance. The book will be of interest to financial and managerial accountants and IT/IS practitioners, including information systems managers and consultants.

Green technology plays an important role in the achievement of environmental sustainability. Tax incentives, carbon taxes, and rising fossil fuel costs are motivating increased growth and development of 'green' products and services, many of which are the result of innovative discoveries in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Green Technologies and Business Practices: An IT Approach is an international platform that brings together academics, researchers, lecturers, policy makers, practitioners, and persons in decision-making positions from all backgrounds who ultimately share new theories, research findings and case studies, together enhancing understanding and collaboration of green issues in business and the role of information technologies and also analyze recent developments in theory and practice. Furthermore, this book demonstrates the capacity of green models and policies, information technology and management for the mutual understanding, prosperity and overall well-being of all the citizens in the world. This title is perfect for politicians, professors, policy makers, government officers, and students alike.

This book focuses on environmental financing in the process of alignment with the EU. Based on comparative analysis of national environmental strategies and financial needs, and their links with strategic development documents in five selected countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Turkey) the book identifies main achievements and remaining challenges in the main areas of environmental regulation: nature protection, water, waste, air and climate change. For each area the same concept is applied: current situation is presented, followed by an overview of institutional and legal frameworks. Division of competences between actors at the same or at different levels is addressed. Costs of implementation are estimated and possible sources of financing identified.