Understanding leadership initiatives The value of leadership-oriented voluntary environmental initiatives in the field of climate change

Abstract: Voluntary environmental initiatives are a growing method of environmental collaboration between businesses, non-government organisations and governments. They are also increasing in their importance as a way of implementing policies that improve environmental performance beyond regulatory requirements. This study examines the characteristics of a set of VEIs in the field of climate change that purport to be working with companies that are leading their competitors in tackling greenhouse gas emissions. It compares and contrasts the approaches of the VEIs, and looks in more detail at one of them to identify how the VEI fits with the companies? business strategies, and what could be done better. It identifies areas where VEIs in the field can face limitations on their effectiveness.