ABSTRACT
Theoretical debate on participation in a broader context of democratic theory and on sustainability and innovation suggest that there is some kind of interrelationship. In relation to sustainability, there is a tendency to see it not only as a desirable outcome, but as a broad process in which a wide range of resources are brought into play. This chapter explores the ideas of sustainability, innovation and participation in order to apply the theoretical framework to the empirical field of Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Sustainability as articulated at the Rio Conference in 1992 is generally seen as a concept which tries to accommodate the needs of present and future generations. Most categories of the “holder” concept can be applied to EMAS at site or organisation level, though empirical work is needed to demonstrate whether these holders actually participate or not. The standard of legitimacy is introduced by the politically defined and legally required procedures and contents of EMAS.
