Voluntary Sustainability Standards: Illusions of Progress and a Way Forward

Sustainability standards, particularly voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), have become an important part of promoting green consumerism and the green economy. However, their overall results have remained modest, mostly incremental, and far from leading to transformational, sector- or economy-wide changes. It is time to take stock of their achievements and pros and cons, focusing on the political economy of VSS and their record in reshaping the unsustainable agro-food economy and the situation of farmers. The book wonders if VSS can be made fit for a future where sustainability issues will play an even more important role.

Format: Hardback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

Sustainability standards, particularly voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), have emerged as crucial elements in fostering green consumerism, promoting a green economy, and driving green growth. While these standards have undoubtedly brought about positive changes in production structures, methods, material, resource, and energy efficiency, their overall impact has been modest, largely incremental, and far from resulting in transformative, sector- or economy-wide transformations. It is therefore imperative that, after approximately 30 years of increasing reliance on sustainability standards, we assess their achievements, strengths, and weaknesses. This analysis should go beyond a mere technical evaluation of the progress made in improving or perfecting the standard system and best practices in standard application and use. Instead, it should primarily focus on examining the political economy of VSS and their track record in reshaping the current, largely unsustainable agro-food economy and the conditions of farmers.

Many VSS are currently facing a crossroads, but rather than recognizing the systemic, deep-rooted nature of the crisis and advocating for the necessary reforms, most standard advocates continue to prioritize their efforts on enhancing the functioning of the standard system and emulating or disseminating best standard-compliance practices. Against this backdrop, the book raises questions about the illusions and realities of VSS in recent decades and whether these standards can be adapted to meet the challenges of a future where sustainability issues will assume an even more critical and urgent role.

As an appendix, we delved into the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic, one of many other epidemics that have profoundly impacted our lives, and the future of globalization.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433187711
Edition number: New ed