The implementation of emissions trading in companies

This paper investigates what activities large companies have undertaken to utilize emissions trading and/or offset projects as part of a strategy for climate change. The main objective is to explore how the political conditions in home countries have affected corporate activity towards emissions trading. Based on an analysis of data of 218 companies derived from a questionnaire, this is examined by assessing to what extent emissions trading is becoming embedded in large companies. Looking at the pattern of actions of a cross-section of companies from different countries and industries, an evaluation is made of the path that companies take to move towards the implementation of emissions trading. Findings show that many companies have the intention to participate in the emission market, but are postponing implementation until government policy becomes more concrete.