Showing papers in "Sustainable Development in 2010"

Corporate sustainability strategies: sustainability profiles and maturity levels

Abstract: Although many companies investigate sustainability management and publish sustainability reports, their main focus in this endeavour remains unclear. Often, it seems that sustainability issues are pursued more coincidentally than with a clear strategy. On one hand, research is done for the identifi cation and determination of distinct aspects concerning economic, ecological and social dimensions of sustainability. Guidelines to develop a sustainability report are popular examples of this. On the other hand, scientifi c effort is recognizable regarding the establishment of specifi c sustainability strategies, e.g. strategies that focus on internal/external orientation of sustainability commitment. Strategies should be designed to work to improve performance in terms of the issues identifi ed, but in many cases the link between aspects and sustainability strategies is missing in practice. This paper aims to narrow this gap by developing specifi c aspect profi les for sustainability strategies. Relating to the characteristics of various sustainability strategies, key sustainability issues are determined, which have to be implemented in order to reach defi ned sustainability goals effi ciently. The paper helps companies that already commit to sustainability to verify whether they are consistent in the implementation of a distinct sustainability strategy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Eco-clothing, consumer identity and ideology

Abstract: This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of eco-fashion consumption and consumer purchase decisions while constructing one's self with external symbols, such as appearance, clothing and fashion items. This study approaches sustainable clothing from a grounding in design research and the meanings of material culture. The study uses sociology and social psychology; hence, the meaning of appearance and especially clothing and fashion is understood in a social context. This paper also takes an interdisciplinary approach to eco-clothes as cultural and design objects in a social and sustainable development context, objects that intertwine consumers' ethical attitudes and values and how they construct a concept of ‘self’ using external symbols. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Strengthening the ‘social’ in sustainable development: Developing a conceptual framework for social sustainability in a rapid urban growth region in Australia

Abstract: The South East Queensland region in Australia is experiencing rapid urban growth. In response to this growth, regional level planning and reporting frameworks have been developed relating to both hard infrastructure and natural resource management. However, there has been no formal acknowledgement of a similar need for regional responses as regards the social dimensions of sustainable development. This paper describes a two year action research process, involving diverse public, private and community stakeholders, that focused on developing a social sustainability framework in response to this issue. Key components of the framework are discussed, including social capital, social infrastructure, social justice and equity, and engaged governance. Broad implications for policy and practice are discussed. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sustainability, self-identity and the sociology of consumption

Abstract: In order to develop a more nuanced model of consumer behaviour and the dynamics of behavioural change, this paper argues, the discourse of sustainable consumption needs to draw more fully upon the sociological literature addressing consumption, its varied drivers, and the complex roles it plays within contemporary life. Since its revival in the 1980s, the sociology of consumption has largely focused on the ways in which everyday consumption choices in affluent societies facilitate the process of creating and sustaining a ‘self-identity’. While the literature in this field is not without its own flaws, framing sustainable consumption in relation to the problem of self-identity enables us to confront not only the psycho-cultural factors that maintain demand for material goods, but also the difficulties faced by ordinary people as they try to understand and respond ethically to large-scale social and ecological problems within an everyday environment that is highly commodified and individualized. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Regeneration for sustainable communities? Barriers to implementing sustainable housing in urban areas

Abstract: This article outlines the key characteristics of sustainable housing, including environmental, economic and social dimensions. It uses these characteristics to assess housing and regeneration in Dublin since the early 1980s. While regeneration has improved some areas, there are a number of causes for concern. Barriers to achieving sustainable housing include the lack of a shared vision of sustainable housing, inadequate building regulations and non-compliance with existing regulations, limited knowledge and expertise in green building methods, negative perceptions of higher density housing, poor quality designs, negative attitudes to social mix, an emphasis on demolition, a failure to recognize the need for social regeneration and limited resources. The article concludes that it is essential to target resources at enforcing building regulations, providing sufficient social and affordable housing as well as the social infrastructure required for sustainable communities, adequate management and maintenance, and retrofitting the unsustainable housing constructed in the past. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Addressing climate change democratically. Multi-level governance, transnational networks and governmental structures

Abstract: The purpose of the article is to discuss the democratic implications of climate change and whether or not it is possible to harmonize basic democratic values with the challenges raised by global warming. Highlighting three central democratic mechanisms it is argued that even if participation and deliberation are crucial for addressing the challenge of climate change this must be done within a system of democratic representation. To become both efficient and democratic, climate governance has to include different spheres and levels of authority. As there is no blueprint for a new institutional order of this kind we have to build upon and better utilize the patchwork of multi-level governance at hand. The growing number of trans-national networks, including a great variety of coalitions between actors from formal as well as informal institutions, has a great potential as an arena for deliberation of the challenge of climate change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Strategic thinking for sustainable development

Abstract: The idea of this editorial research article is to start making sense out of the seemingly limitless debate on the environmental dimension of sustainable development. We have evaluated a collection of international peer-reviewed papers. These contributions have been debated at the conferences of the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS). Our main research objective here is to consider the often posed question of why the progress made in sustainable development has been so slow and the work implemented so unsuccessful. We argue that one of the main explanations is that the approaches used in sustainable development are reductionist and often lead into problem shifting and problem displacement. To address the problem of reductionism, we propose what we call ‘strategic thinking’ and its incorporation into sustainable development work in general. To open up this argument, we arrive at the discussion of three central dimensions of strategic thinking and the relevance of these dimensions when addressing reductionism. These dimensions are the strategy content, strategy process and strategy context. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

International operations and sustainable development: Should national culture matter?

Abstract: As manufacturers around the world have seen an increasing number of opportunities to produce abroad and to source from low cost regions, they also have had to address growing pressure from non-governmental organizations, consumer groups and even the population in general regarding sustainable development. This paper examines the conjuncture of these two trends by assessing the linkage between national culture and corporate sustainable development practices in 55 countries. The results suggest that two of Hofstede's national culture dimensions are linked to a higher degree of sustainable practices by corporations. In particular, a nation's high degree of individualism and uncertainty avoidance were both related to green corporatism, environmental innovation, fair labor practices and corporate social involvement. The results provide managers with another tool in making decisions about offshoring, global sourcing and international production expansion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Public transport service quality and sustainable development: A community stakeholder perspective

Abstract: A key element in achieving sustainability's triple-bottom-line goals is a good public transport system. Many studies have shown the relationship between effective public transport services and sustainable development at the city level. The purpose of this study is to introduce and use a SERVQUAL framework to measure public transport services within a master-planned community in Australia. The stakeholder survey findings suggest a wide gap between community expectations of public transport services and the actual service quality provided. This was consistent across all commuter groups. In particular, the findings have been useful in shedding broad light on the areas where improvements are needed most, i.e. responsiveness and reliability of services, to encourage greater use of public transport within the community level. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Exploring relationships between universal design and social sustainable development: some methodological aspects to the debate on the sciences of sustainability

Abstract: Universal design (UD) is a rising global trend and can be related to social sustainable development (SSD), which has gained increasing recognition in the political arena and in the corporate world. UD targets needs, social participation and access to goods and services by the widest possible range of users. For this reason, it is vital to consider the inclusion and advancement of persons who have been excluded from interacting in society for different reasons. Design is often associated with making good looking, expensive products. However, as the Rio Declaration stated in 2005, designers can also contribute to better life-quality in society and UD can work as a catalyst for this advancement. The goal of this paper is to show how UD can be related to SSD and discuss how far it presents a fruitful methodological approach for SSD. Knowledge generation in these areas means here not analyzing new approaches in one of the fields but exploring the so far uncharted cooperation possibilities of both. For that reason, the paper discusses common goals of UD and SSD by considering relevant theories in both fields. Further, methods in the UD process are examined directed at these goals. Finally, some examples and conclusions are presented as to how designers contribute with inclusive and socially sustainable solutions and how insights from UD can be used for interplay with SSD in research and practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Establishing strategic CSR in SMEs: an Austrian CSR quality seal to substantiate the strategic CSR performance

Abstract: Integrating CSR into their strategy system can help enterprises to produce a competitive advantage. This can both add to their long-term prosperity and help increase overall sustainability, provided they use a broad, dynamic approach to CSR that is compatible with strategic management. SMEs in particular often feature excellent responsibility performance, without realizing it and without trying to benefit from it. In Austria, as in other countries, SMEs often suppose CSR to be a domain of large enterprises: too bureaucratic, expensive, time-consuming and complex. This paper presents a case from Austria, the development of an official CSR Quality Seal directed at SMEs to help them communicate their sustainability performance effectively and display a visible sign for their stakeholders. The seal was devised to meet objections to the application of standardized CSR tools in industry, especially in SMEs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Cross‐sectional benchmarking of social and environmental reporting practice in the australian oil and gas industry

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to examine social and environmental disclosures against general and industry benchmarks for the quantity and quality of social and environmental reporting practice. To achieve this, a content analysis approach has been applied to disclosures of the 25 Australian oil and gas companies included in the Australian Stock Exchange 300 index in 2006. The conclusions are that there is relatively poor disclosure, and the majority of environmental disclosures are declarative and positive. Oil and gas companies sampled fail to provide detailed information about, for example, the quantification of targets and outputs, actual achievements and the level of participation by employees. However, consistent with previous studies, the companies perform relatively well in reporting human resources information. Implications of these findings and potential for future research are highlighted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

A framework for regional sustainability assessment: developing indicators for a Portuguese region

Abstract: Regional sustainability indicators are increasingly being developed. Their significance becomes obvious when important public policy-making strategies are decentralized to regions or local governments. This research designed a framework for the development of regional sustainability indicators. Its main goal is to assess and report regional sustainability performance, incorporating a significant public participation component. When the proposed approach was tested in the Algarve region, it was found useful to engage a broad range of stakeholders in regional sustainability assessment. This case study is a practical example of how regional sustainability can be assessed as a dynamic participative process, involving multi-stakeholders, to obtain a regional profile. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Sustainability and organizational activities – three approaches

Abstract: This paper explores the tensions exhibited within the use of sustainability in relation to organizational activities such as strategic management and measurement of performance. Three different sus ...

Integrating sustainable waste management into product design: sustainability as a functional requirement

Abstract: Municipal waste management is, by definition, spatially organized. In the United Kingdom the national government designates waste collection and disposal responsibilities to the various scales of local government. However, whilst the highest aim of waste management is prevention, achieving this is beyond the scope of local authorities, which deal with the waste stream presented to them as an independent variable. Alternatively, product design offers a potential point of policy intervention, by which the waste stream becomes a dependent variable. This paper innovatively argues that, for eco-design to be effective, sustainable waste management must be established as a functional requirement in the design process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

The relevance of ecocentrism, personal development and transformational leadership to sustainability and identity

Abstract: Identity is formed gradually as we mature through personal development within societal (and natural) context. As such, it is group informed but individually directed and is strongly influenced by our family, community, place and natural surroundings. Together, these interwoven aspects of our lives help us each to create an identity that is unique and that should be able to be sustained over time. However, because we live within collectives and places that have often become less sustainable of late, this has a corresponding effect on our identity. The interactive relationship between identity and sustainability is therefore integral to how we understand and then address issues that currently confront us all. To investigate this relationship, three aspects of identity are considered together: the significance of an ecocentric philosophy, personal development oriented to service and transformational leadership. Interweaving these related reflections goes beyond a more limited view of identity, providing new directions for sustainability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Free trade, fair trade and gender inequality in less developed countries

Abstract: Fair trade is often viewed as an alternative to free trade that reduces global inequality and poverty. This paper examines whether fair trade is truly an alternative to the free market, and as a consequence whether it can effectively advance gender equality and alleviate the poverty of women in less developed countries (LDCs). First, neoclassical economics and trade liberalization policies are reviewed. The paper then examines how fair trade seeks to correct market imperfections, thereby making the free market more efficient in distributing wealth. The ability of fair trade to address the central issues related to trade liberalization and women in LDCs is discussed, and the gendered structures of fair trade identified. Whether fair trade can provide gender equality within global capitalist structures is a theoretical matter that requires further empirical inquiry. Suggestions for future research, informed by feminist theories of the political economy, are provided. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Creating Sustainable Identities: The Significance of the Financially Affluent Self

Abstract: This paper uses identity theory and postmodern identity perspectives to analyse why high-income groups often have values, attitudes and intentions to consume sustainably, yet tend to have the highest energy consumption of any group. Two key arguments are presented. The first is that the affluent identity is opposed to the environmentalist identity and is more salient, desirable and likely to result in more social support and self-esteem rewards. Therefore, where both identities are held the affluent identity is likely to be more dominant and invoked in more circumstances. Second, the invocation of the affluent identity is liable to result in high-energy consumption. Despite some evidence of affluent identities being successfully connected by marketing with low-energy ‘green’ consumption, there is stronger evidence of the affluent identity being consistently embedded symbolically within high-energy consumption choices. Recommendations for marketing and social marketing are made and a matrix to guide sustainable identity strategies is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Ecological modernization versus sustainable development: the case of genetic modification regulation in New Zealand

Abstract: Ecological modernization and sustainable development are the two dominant paradigms in environmental policy. This paper assesses the implications of competing understandings of ecological modernization and sustainable development using the case of genetic modification regulation in New Zealand. Although the New Zealand regulatory framework embraces the symbolic language of sustainability, it ultimately adheres to a narrow notion of ecological modernization. By adopting a technically driven risk management process and a diluted precautionary approach, alongside limiting public input into decision-making on genetic modification, it undercuts its commitment to sustainable development definitionally and procedurally. Analysis of the New Zealand biotechnology policy regulatory framework, which consists of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), shows how institutionalization of a narrow conception of ecological modernization can preempt real commitment to sustainable development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Market based political action: a path to sustainable development?.

Abstract: This paper critiques market based political action (consumption as voting) with the aim of assessing its use as a means of political and societal action capable of helping develop a sustainable economy. Despite being able to motivate change within the market place, overall it is found to be limited in its direct ability to affect social change and lead the development of a more sustainable economy. However, it is found to be a useful form of political participation that encourages engagement and has a role in sending general messages to governments regarding citizens' willingness to take action over important social and environmental issues. These conclusions are based on the finding that consumers' signals and market's reactions to specific campaigns within sustainable development may be inconsistent, unclear or weak. However, overall this market action does send clear messages regarding the broader issues and people's desire to see action upon them. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Sustainability, poverty and municipal services: the case of Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract: Although many global policies refer to the need to reconcile growth, equity and sustainability, there is little that demonstrates what this entails, especially in fast growing developing countries. The sustainable cities literature focuses on environmental constraints, and the institutional economics literature on governance. The aim of this paper is to provide a conceptual synthesis that makes it possible to understand the complex dynamics of technological and institutional innovation. The evolution of Cape Town's strategies to deal with post-apartheid inequalities within a context of severe resource constraints is reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Design responsibility and sustainable design as reflective practice: an educational challenge

Abstract: An important element in design education is to prepare students for the reality of the profession. Often these students question their ability and power to influence industry and commerce, especially when it comes to proposing innovative and sustainable solutions. This paper discusses how the notion of design responsibility can be integrated in design education, describing ways of training and encouraging students to become responsible and sustainability-oriented designers. Using examples from the curriculum of the Kolding School of Design in Denmark, we make a case for employing both practice-based and theory-based learning approaches to promote a critical and reflective design practice. Furthermore, we argue for the value of teaching design responsibility to imbue design students with the knowledge and confidence that sustainable design thinking and the designer can make a difference. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Approaches for understanding and embedding stakeholder realities in mangrove rehabilitation processes in Southeast Asia: lessons learnt from Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan

Abstract: Using a soft systems narrative, this paper examines the implementation process growing out of a policy environment intended to promote the rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems. The analysis is based on research conducted 2007–09 in the Mahakam Delta in East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. The rich and diverse natural resource base of the area has turned East Kalimantan into one of the wealthiest areas in Indonesia. The case from Mahakam reveals that there is no stakeholder consensus in terms of problem definitions and management priorities of the coastal delta area. Further, there are no institutional bodies or ‘guardians’ responsible for monitoring and facilitating the long-term sustainability of mangrove systems. There are also significant power imbalances in the system, not only between stakeholders, but also between the discourses of conservation and production. In order to ensure the long-term, sustainable governance of mangrove systems, these institutional and geopolitical issues will need to be addressed and adapted accordingly. Through a structured systemic inquiry, this analysis has explored the problem situation related to the sustainability of mangrove systems for coastal environments and people. The research shows the complexity in managing dynamic coastal systems subjected to rapid human induced biophysical changes exacerbated by a non-conducive policy environment aggravating the impact on the ground. The absence of this guardian implies that feedback and institutional learning is not inherent, making constructive adaptation of governance and management arrangements in this context unlikely. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Implementation of Community-Based Landslide Hazard Mitigation Measures: the role of stakeholder engagement in 'Sustainable' Project Scale-Up

Abstract: Rainfall-triggered landslides present a major hazard to unplanned communities in tropical developing countries. We describe the MoSSaiC methodology (Management of Slope Stability in Communities) and show that landslide hazard can be reduced if tackled at the appropriate spatial and institutional scales. Stakeholder engagement – from communities to governments and funding agencies – has enabled the implementation of ‘on the ground’ construction to effectively reduce landslide hazard. Specifically, a cross-agency management team liaised closely with the local social intervention fund, community project committees and individual residents to map the highly localized landside triggers and to design and build appropriate mitigation measures. Institutional, political and financial cycles can potentially act to destabilize such community-based development initiatives. However, implementation of this approach in the Caribbean is shown to have reduced landslide hazard, whilst simultaneously gaining significant support from all stakeholders. The methodology outlined is an innovative and effective alternative to conventional ‘top-down’ landslide risk reduction approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Managing municipal solid waste from a system perspective: A comparative study of Dalian, China and Waterloo, Canada

Abstract: In China, one of the challenges on managing solid wastes is how to realize waste reduction, reuse and recycling while maintaining rapid development, leading to a demand for an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) approach. A practical way to improve ISWM in developing countries is to learn from successful experiences in developed countries. Hence, systematic comparisons that reflect the complexity of ISWM systems in different contexts are needed. This paper takes a system perspective to compare and contrast two cases, the Region of Waterloo in Canada and Dalian in China, exploring the reasons for the different management approaches between the two cases. The results show that in some aspects, differences between the two waste management systems are tightly linked to their respective social and economic contexts, which can hardly be changed, whereas other differences can be attributed mainly to management strategies and tools. Suggestions are provided on waste planning, the development of waste diversion programs and waste treatment industries, the design of new programs, and the role of the local government. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

An analysis of Taiwan's energy ecological efficiency and the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol

Abstract: This paper examines and discusses core issues relating to ecological pressure and climate policy performance in Taiwan, given Taiwan's status as a non-signer of the Kyoto Protocol. Taiwan's CO2 emissions account for 0.9 percent of the world's total, making it the 23rd largest producer of global CO2 emissions. To better understand Taiwan's performance in energy efficiency, this study calculates Taiwan's energy ecological footprint (EEF) and its ecological debt and eco-energy efficiency (EEE) from 1990 to 2005. These measures are then used in cross-national comparisons of EEF and EEE between Taiwan and Annex 1 and non-Annex-1 countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, a regional comparison of the same indices is made between Taiwan, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The results suggest that Taiwan would experience a decline in its EEF and an increase in its eco-energy efficiency if it were to sign the Kyoto Protocol and to implement policies for better management of energy resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Sustainable consumption as a means to self‐realization: a Hindu perspective on when enough is enough

Abstract: In this paper, I investigate the religious notion of self-realization or self-actualization in the context of sustainability, and argue that sustainability is the means to this end. I am particularly interested in Hindu perspectives on self-realization or the Purusharthas. The Purusharthas provide an interesting sustainability critique because they consider the satisfaction of material want as an important step to self-actualization; the reconciliation of want and need is a fundamental sustainability tension. The issue of growing want is doubtless an important one, given the rapidly growing middle classes in the developing world that aspire to Western material dreams, as illustrated by the case of Delhi. The Purusharthas may be seen to give consumption legitimacy; however, I argue that it is the selective understanding and institutionalization of the religious message that causes the sustainability problem. Viewed in their entirety, the Purusharthas provide the correct prescriptions for the sustainable enjoyment of want, and take the adherent beyond sustainability into greater transcendence or self-awareness. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Local strategic partnerships: a panacea for voluntary interest groups to promote local environmental sustainability? The UK context

Abstract: This paper examines the experiences of local interest groups in promoting environmental sustainability within Local Strategic Partnerships. LSPs are expected to be a local pluralist governance platform in which non-state groups can engage more widely in the promotion of economic, social and environmental well-being within a local authority area. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews with state and non-state representatives in two contrasting LSP areas in the Yorkshire and Humber region of the UK, this paper finds that environmental interest groups have been marginalized by local state members of LSPs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Deconstructing the development paradigm: a post‐structural perspective

Abstract: Science per se has always been advocating sustainability. The fundamentals of physical and biological sciences are based on the principles of thermodynamics and emphasize the need for efficiency and conservation. Thus, sustainability is a ‘scientific’ prerequisite, from the systems perspective of development. In studies of sustainable development, the terms ‘science’ and ‘technology’ are often used together – in tandem – as ‘science & technology’. However, if one looks at the advancement of science & technology from a sustainability perspective, it may be said that it is becoming increasingly ‘technological’, but not duly ‘scientific’. Instead of science-based technology, what we have developed today is a technology-based science, in our desperation to sustain the unsustainable. Corporate-funded research in industry as well as in academy is governed by profitability rather than ecological concern or disinterested scientific inquiry. In the guise of a ‘knowledge-based economy’, what we have constructed is an ‘economy-based knowledge’ indeed. Sustainability is not a goal but only a means and it is a science by itself, but, unlike conventional sciences, which are supposedly value free and amoral, the science of sustainability is inclusive not only of values and responsibilities but also of the institutions and instruments that stand for sustainability. In the present ‘post-structural’ or post-modern era, it is ‘knowledge ecology’ – which goes far beyond ‘knowledge economy’ – that is a prerequisite in striking a right balance between development and sustainability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

RAMEA: how to support regional policies towards sustainable development

Abstract: A Regional Accounting Matrix including Environmental Accounts (RAMEA) is the Regional version of a ‘National Accounting Matrix including Environmental Accounts’ (NAMEA), an environmental accounting system that combines economic and environmental accounts into a single framework, which is useful for the evaluation and comparison of the integrated economic–environmental–social performance of regions. Presenting the first results of compiling and applying a RAMEA in three European regions: Emilia-Romagna (Italy), Noord-Brabant (the Netherlands) and Malopolska (Poland), this paper analyses the difficulties in achieving internationally comparable regional models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.