Abstract:
This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of ISO 14001 standard in improving environmental performance and ultimately addressing the goals of sustainable environmental management. It is the first of its kind in Lebanon and adds to the existing knowledge by shedding light on a developing country where there is paucity of such studies. A multi-disciplinary research methodology combining the semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis and secondary data analysis was adopted. The findings of this research may be used to shape decisions by policy makers on the efficacy of international voluntary standards and its policy implications to economic development in general and sustainable development in Lebanon and developing countries as a whole. Consequently, industries may be more capable of justifying the expenses and efforts associated with ISO 14001 registration. © 2012 WIT Press.