What's the Problem?Traditional environmental regulations have successfully reduced industrial pollutants from entering rivers and slowed the pace of habitat destruction. However, traditional regulations define restrictions on specific actions, causing land managers and environmental advocates to become locked in legal standoffs. Compliance becomes the end goal rather than a means to achieving environmental health and restoration.
What's the Solution?Environmental accounting systems define measurable, incremental units of progress (credits) that enable performance-based policies and investment strategies that bring credit users and credit producers together.
By linking incremental progress from individual projects directly to environmental and community goals, environmental accounting systems drive accountability and motivate effective actions to improve the environment.
Environmental Accounting Enables Prioritization of...
What Are the Benefits?Environmental accounting increases both environmental performance and cost-effectiveness from prioritization and flexibility.
Related ArticlesRegional Environmental Accounting - How Does It Work? Learn more about Regional Environmental Accounting (pdf) Learn about the successful implementation of a our regional accounting program in Lake Tahoe with the The Lake Clarity Crediting Program See its application to stormwater accounting (video) Want to know more about the general operations, tools and products involved in environmental accounting programs? Check out this memo (pdf). Keys to SuccessWhether your goal is to increase wetland habitat or to improve results from government resource managers, there are four key elements to master: 1. Your Goal - Define the desired outcome in a tangible and numeric manner. This serves to both set direction and, more importantly, communicate what is important. 2. What Matters - Know the motivations of the players. A true understanding of competing interests of the specific players identifies opportunities and pit-falls. 3. Performance Metrics - Efficiently gather and use information. Data and information lets the resource manager know if the incentives are, in fact, inspiring activity. And, if the activity is resulting in the desired outcome. In many situations the information itself can act as an incentive, giving players feedback on the results of their actions and letting them know that their actions are recognized. 4. Rational Tuning - Adjust the program wisely to meet the desired outcome. One of the positive yet troubling elements of decentralized activity is that new ideas produce unexpected results. However, investors and employees will not risk their money or effort if the game will change underneath of them. The incentive program must be designed with enough assurance to attract investment and commitment, but with enough flexibility to adjust and direct action towards the intended goal. |
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Regional Environmental Accounting
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