ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the sorts of initiatives which can be taken in the local economy which can not only improve regional environmental performance but, by involving businesses, can also aid the development of better environmental performance at the firm level. The main thrust of this chapter is therefore to show how the company based environmental management systems discussed earlier in this book and a regional environmental management system (REMS) can be compatible. It will be argued that there is a direct relationship between environmental quality and the industrial development and economic activities within an area. Using a systems-based methodology, it is argued that a key strategy for environmental management within businesses will involve cooperating with stakeholders at the local level in order to achieve the integration of economic and environmental objectives.
