The evolution of the World Bank`s environmental guidelines
- Aggarwal (Sanjeev K.), Lorton, VA (United States)
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Orlando, FL (United States)
The World Bank Group is continually reviewing its environmental guidelines to be more effective in achieving sustainable development. In 1995 and 1996, the World Bank proposed significant changes to the existing 1988 environmental guidelines. The new guidelines focus on pollution prevention, including cleaner production and good management techniques rather than end-of-pipe controls. The guidelines have been designed to (1) be protective of human health and the environment; (2) have acceptable levels of mass loadings; (3) recommend emission levels based on commercially proven and widely used technologies; (4) follow the current regulatory and technology trends which encourage pollution prevention; (5) be cost-effective; and (6) promote the adoption of good management practices which boost productivity and energy efficiency. The Handbook will be updated periodically to reflect technological advances and address emerging environmental issues. This paper addresses the processes which the World Bank utilized in determining the goals, structure, format, and content of its proposed environmental guidelines in the Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook. This paper will explore the role of consultants, lawyers, international agencies, industrial groups, and environmental groups in formulating the guidelines. Several environmental programs from the OECD and the developing countries were reviewed while designing these guidelines. A comparison will be made of the guidelines with those of other financial institutions and regulatory agencies. Several financial institutions including private banks and insurance companies have indicated that they would use the guidelines even for projects not financed by the World Bank. Hence, the guidelines will have a major impact on investments in the developing countries.
- OSTI ID:
- 351182
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970677--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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