ABSTRACT
This chapter explores opportunities for what are variously described as next-generation regulation, alternatives to regulation and regulatory pluralism, in one particular small and medium-sized enterprises industry sector: car body shops. It examines the limitations of traditional regulation and how they might be overcome, the potential roles of self-audit and self-inspection, environmental management systems, cleaner production and environmental partnership initiatives, and the use of regulatory surrogates such as insurance companies and other third parties. As some of the Victorian Environmental Protection Authority's cleaner production case studies demonstrate, body shops can generate savings through waste reduction. The Clean Green Shop environmental management system initiative is an innovative addition to the regulatory landscape, although, given its early stage of implementation, it would be premature to make a judgement as to its success in its present form. At the 'bottom of the pile' in the body shop industry are the true laggards: a group of players who are both economically marginal and environmentally irresponsible.
