Schmitz-Hoffmann C. et al. (2014) Voluntary Standard Systems Flashcards
Chapter 1, 2, 5, 7 and 11
What are Voluntary Sustainability Standard Systems (VSS)?
VSS are non-governmental initiatives designed to promote sustainable production and consumption by creating market demand for sustainably-produced goods.
Example: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Fairtrade International guide producers in adopting sustainable practices and help consumers identify certified products
What are key trends in the evolution of VSS?
Trends include diversification across sectors, increased government involvement, and more complex assurance models.
Example: The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) emerged as part of a trend towards industry-specific standards, while governments use VSS in policies like the EU Renewable Energy Directive
What principles define credible and effective VSS according to ISEAL?
Sustainability, improvement, relevance, rigor, engagement, impartiality, transparency, accessibility, truthfulness, and efficiency.
Example: ISEAL members like the Rainforest Alliance adhere to these principles to ensure credibility and continuous improvement
What sectors have seen significant adoption of VSS?
Forestry, agriculture (coffee, bananas), fisheries, mining, and bio-trade.
Example: As of 2009, 18% of globally managed forests were certified by FSC or PEFC
How have businesses used VSS to manage supply chain risks?
Businesses like Unilever adopted the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification to secure sustainable fish supplies after the collapse of the Grand Banks cod fishery
What are the primary components of a VSS system?
The standard, assurance, labels and claims, traceability, and capacity building.
Example: Fairtrade coffee uses all these elements, from standard-setting to consumer labeling and supply chain traceability
What critique does Paul Hawken offer regarding corporate sustainability efforts?
Even the best corporate environmental practices are insufficient to prevent environmental degradation.
Example: Hawken stated that if every company adopted the best practices, the world would still face environmental collapse
What is the role of VSS in addressing unsustainability?
VSS mobilize diverse players to create gains toward sustainability, despite barriers like inconsistent implementation and limited government integration.
Example: VSS like FSC and Fairtrade aim to drive sustainability through market mechanisms rather than government mandates
What are the challenges in developing effective VSS?
Integrating global criteria into local contexts and avoiding the risk of VSS being used merely as marketing tools.
Example: Global standards like ISO 14000 must adapt to local environmental and economic conditions, which can complicate implementation
What are the eight basic requirements for progress toward sustainability?
Requirements include reducing waste and emissions, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution.
Example: These principles were applied in creating standards like the Marine Stewardship Council’s sustainable fishing guidelines
How do VSS address the challenge of representing future generations in decision-making?
VSS promote practices that minimize long-term environmental degradation, implicitly safeguarding future interests.
Example: FSC certification requires sustainable forest management that considers long-term environmental impacts
How do ISEAL and IISD differ in their approach to sustainability standards?
ISEAL emphasizes best practices and credibility, while IISD focuses on sustainable development impacts.
Example: ISEAL’s codes of good practice guide the structure of standards, while IISD evaluates their effectiveness in achieving sustainability goals
How do VSS compare to legal standards?
Legal standards are binding and enforced by authorities, while VSS are flexible, voluntary, and often developed by private bodies.
Example: FSC certification is voluntary, whereas national forestry laws are legally binding
In what ways do VSS complement legal standards?
VSS fill gaps where regulations are insufficient, act as benchmarks for best practices, and are referenced in legal contexts.
Example: The EU uses VSS to verify compliance with biofuel sustainability requirements
Do VSS compete with or add value to legal standards?
VSS generally add value by enhancing sustainability beyond minimum legal requirements, though tensions exist over enforcement and credibility.
Example: While legal standards may mandate basic environmental protections, VSS often require more stringent practices
How do legal systems incorporate VSS in interpreting environmental regulations?
Courts sometimes use VSS to clarify undefined legal terms.
Example: FSC standards have been referenced in legal cases concerning sustainable forestry practices
What are potential conflicts between VSS and legal standards?
Conflicts may arise when VSS are stricter than legal standards, causing tension with businesses that only meet minimum legal requirements.
Example: Companies complying with legal standards may resist adopting voluntary certifications like ISO 14000 due to higher costs
What sectors show significant overlap between VSS and legal standards?
Forestry, agriculture, energy, and construction.
Example: The EU Renewable Energy Directive references VSS to ensure sustainable sourcing of biofuels
What is co-regulation in the context of VSS?
Co-regulation involves governments recognizing and integrating private VSS into public regulatory frameworks.
Example: The EU Renewable Energy Directive uses private VSS to verify compliance with sustainability requirements
What are the advantages of co-regulation?
It saves development time, reduces government costs, and leverages the flexibility of private systems while maintaining oversight.
Example: Using VSS like RSPO reduces the administrative burden of developing new regulatory frameworks from scratch
What are potential risks of co-regulation?
Risks include inconsistent standards, potential greenwashing, and over-reliance on private entities for enforcement.
Example: The proliferation of biofuel certification schemes in the EU raised concerns about varying levels of rigor
How has the EU integrated VSS into its Renewable Energy Directive (RED)?
The EU recognizes specific VSS for verifying sustainable biofuel production, making compliance easier for producers.
Example: Certification under schemes like ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) helps companies meet RED requirements
What lessons can be learned from the EU’s approach to VSS in public regulation?
Governments can leverage private expertise while maintaining oversight to ensure consistency and credibility.
Example: The EU’s selective recognition of VSS ensures that only credible, transparent standards are incorporated into regulations
How can governments ensure VSS maintain credibility when integrated into public regulations?
By setting clear benchmarks for VSS recognition, maintaining oversight, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
Example: The EU audits recognized VSS regularly to ensure they meet sustainability benchmarks
