Improving the Environmental Performance of Small- And Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Study in Avon

Abstract

There is a policy commitment within the EU and the UK to improve the environmental performance of business. Small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 90% of businesses and their activities significantly affect the environment, yet they are notoriously difficult to reach and to influence. A study was carried out in Avon in late 1994 to mid‐1995 to assess the environmental performance training needs of SMEs and to make recommendations for a programme to improve performance. The research had two phases: firstly, areas of training needs and attitudes to training were established using questionnaires and interviews with SMEs and, secondly, an assessment of existing training provision, both for general business skills and for environmental performance, was carried out. The recommended programme focuses on the role of Training and Enterprise Councils and similar providers, such as local authorities, which may be in the process of implementing plans to promote sustainable activity in the business community.

Internal Drivers and Performance Consequences of Small Firm Green Business Strategy: The Moderating Role of External Forces

“…The regulatory framework is usually associated with coercive measures (e.g., penalty fees), which may have negative financial implications on the firm in cases of non-compliance (Dechant and Altman, 1994;Rugman, 1995). Many studies focusing on small firms (e.g., Rowe and Hollingsworth, 1996;Baylis et al, 1998;Williamson and LynchWood, 2001) point to the critical role of environmental regulations (e.g., integrated pollution prevention/control) in stimulating the adoption of an eco-friendly approach. In fact, there is evidence indicating that the increasing regulatory concern for the environment was responsible for many small firms considering green practices as a mean of gaining a competitive advantage (Noci and Verganti, 1999;Simpson et al, 2004).…”

Underlying mechanisms in the maintenance of ISO 14001 environmental management system

“…Planning Environmental aspects and impacts -Methods of aspects determination and evaluation [23,1,11,5,4,37]; -Lack of explanation of concepts and more guidance needed on environmental aspects and significant evaluation [44,4,23]. Legal requirements -Lack of resources capable to track down the incoming environmental legislation [48,19]; -Lack of clear strict legislative framework that could be adopted [23]; -Absence of a central source of information on environmental legislation [20]; -Absence of a single authoritative body to interpret ISO 14001:1996 [20]; -Low awareness of environmental legislation [48].…”

Environmental management systems and the smaller enterprise

“…Negative corporate attitudes towards EMSs and an unfavourable company culture, often cited in SMEs, conspire to create a climate that deprives the EMS implementation process of support [18,22,28,30]. Inconsistent top management support is frequently cited as a factor in the stop/start approach SMEs and small firms in particular, take to the implementation of an EMS [13,22].…”