Examining Business Perceptions of a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register in China: A Case Study in Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area

Abstract: Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) have been adopted in developed countries since 1970s to help stimulate public participation, facilitate environmental regulation and promote industrial transformation, but have not been widely established in developing countries. In China, environmental pollution is increasing rapidly and has reached severe levels as a result of economic development in the absence of effective environmental regulation and adequate public pressure. During the current exploratory period for establishing a PRTR, China needs support and knowledge when it concerns PRTR schemes and the mechanisms of improving business behaviour. Aiming to examine the Chinese context and facilitate the implementation of PRTR, the author took a three months’ field research with survey, interviews and symposiums in Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) for the research. With how the business perceive a PRTR in China and how implementation need to be adjusted as the main research questions, the thesis author took a corporate angle and identified the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for companies to implement a PRTR scheme in China. Based on this, the thesis author also suggests a governmental action model, formed of setting the platform, making preparation and providing incentives for businesses, to facilitate the implementation of PRTRs in China, which has the potential to inform policy makers and to be transferred into other parts of China.