Overview
Environmental tools are mechanisms to meet environmental objectives and outcomes; they encourage environmentally desirable behaviour. This Environmental Tools Guide was developed as a resource for policy makers to encourage a greater understanding of the range of tools available to both government and our stakeholders.
Types of tools
This guide introduces 5 kinds of environmental tools:
- Cooperative agreements
- Information disclosure
- Market-based instruments and fiscal
- Regulations
- Voluntary stewardship/corporate environmental responsibility
We use the best tool to meet the multiple goals of a given situation. Each has its strengths and limitations. An ideal tool:
- promotes a cleaner environment
- is cost-effective, absolutely fair, equitable, and capable of meeting rapid change in science and technology
The role of the Alberta government is to:
- develop and implement these tools
- verify compliance
- track environmental performance commitments
- monitor and evaluate environmental quality
Where required, the department will also enforce environmental law in the province, including sanctions, monetary fees and charges.
For more information on the 5 environmental tools:
For tool developers
This Environmental Tools Guide outlines a conceptual framework to support audiences in choosing the most appropriate tools to achieve specific environmental outcomes.
The range of environmental tools includes:
- Voluntary stewardship/corporate environmental responsibility
- Information disclosure
- Cooperative agreements
- Market-based and fiscal
- Regulations
Traditionally, governments have relied on regulatory approaches, to achieve environmental protection and natural resource conservation. Increasingly, governments are employing innovative tools to meet policy goals. A comparison of traditional and innovative tools highlights these different dimensions in more detail.
Contact
Questions about this guide? Email Stephen Dobson.