Policy Integration for Sustainable Development and the Benefits of Local Adoption

Christopher V. Hawkins, University of Central Florida

XiaoHu Wang, City University of Hong Kong

The concept of sustainable development has evolved from a focus primarily on environmental issues to a more balanced approach that consists of environmental, economic, and societal elements. Local efforts to promote environmentalism and economic growth are not mutually exclusive, but questions remain on the types of policies that integrate these efforts. In this article, we explain the adoption of policies that aim to reduce development costs for businesses that integrate environmental protection and energy conservation measures into their investments. The empirical analysis is based on a national survey of local sustainability policy conducted in 2010. A series regression model provides evidence of business interests and the mediating influence political institutions have on policy adoption.