ISO 14001, EMAS and environmental performance: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The adoption of voluntary environmental certifications such as ISO 14001 and Eco‐Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) has gained momentum in the last two decades. The scholarly literature has analyzed in depth the performance implications of the adoption of these certificates. Yet the findings are scattered and inconclusive. This article aims to shed light on this issue by meta‐analyzing the influence of the adoption of voluntary environmental certifications on corporate environmental performance, drawing on a sample of 53 scholarly studies analyzing a total of 182,926 companies. The findings show a positive influence of ISO 14001 and EMAS certifications on corporate environmental performance. A set of underlying moderating effects are also identified, such as a more pronounced positive effect for adoptions based on environmental innovation and for firms with a more mature certification. Implications for scholars, managers, and other stakeholders are discussed.

Environmental management certification and environmental performance: Greening or greenwashing?

“…Likewise, Testa et al (2014) found that big organizations obtain more benefit from the implementation of an EMS based on either ISO 14001 or EMAS rather than another type of EMS. Finally, Erauskin‐Tolosa, Zubeltzu‐Jaka, Heras‐Saizarbitoria, and Boiral (2020) performed a meta‐analysis on the link between certifiable EMSs and environmental performance drawing on a sample of 53 scholarly studies analyzing a total of 182,926 companies. Their findings showed a positive influence of ISO 14001 and EMAS certification on corporate environmental performance, but a set of underlying moderating effects were also identified; there was a pronounced positive effect of adoptions based on environmental innovation and for firms with a more mature certification.…”

The impact of ISO 14001 on firm environmental and economic performance: The moderating role of size and environmental awareness

“…Because the integration of the systematic framework defined by ISO 14001 is usually associated with the adoption of better environmental technologies, more rigorous organizational procedures to protect natural resources, and stronger environmental awareness among managers and employees, ISO 14001 adoption is expected to ultimately result in improved environmental performance (Curkovic & Sroufe, 2011; Erauskin‐Tolosa, Zubeltzu‐Jaka, Heras‐Saizarbitoria, & Boiral, 2020; Garrido, González, & Orcos, 2020; Molina‐Azorín, Tarí, Claver‐Cortés, & López‐Gamero, 2009; Testa et al, 2014). Accordingly, our first hypothesis proposes the following:H1 ISO 14001 adoption contributes to increased firm environmental efficiency.…”

Promoting employees' environmental performance in hospitality industry through environmental attitude and ecological behavior: Moderating role of managers' environmental commitment

“…Employees through their voluntary actions, like energy conservation, minimum use of stationery, using durable articles for different activities, developing a sense of environmental awareness in peers' etc. meaningfully contribute to the overall EP of the organizations (Erauskin‐Tolosa, Zubeltzu‐Jaka, Heras‐Saizarbitoria, & Boiral, 2020). Such actions on the part of employees justify our view that EEB is a major antecedent of EEP.…”