This chapter aimed to investigate green performance strategies in the Romanian economy. In the first part, authors exposed specific definitions and concepts related to the green economy, as they appear in the literature in the field. The European context and the main ways of implementation of the green economy are presented as they result from the objectives of The Agenda 2020 UE and The Agenda 2030 UNO. Green Performance in Romania during 2010-2014 is assessed by analyzing the environmental protection expenditures, environmental taxes, greenhouse gasses emissions, green jobs roles, and Environmental Performance Index. The sustainable economic growth effects are materializing in a major growth of the ecological productivity, an increased amount of energy derived from renewable sources, emissions reduction, improved air and water quality, widened access to the benefits of civilization - education, water sanitation. Thus, this green growth “can fight” against climate change. Also, green growth provides opportunities for creating new jobs requiring new skills.
TopIntroduction
Ecological concern began to become apparent in the early 70s. It has gained consistency after summits in Rio (1992) and Johannesburg (2002) and especially after the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, becoming an important element in defining organizational culture. Thus, “Green Revolution, environmental protection, turning in “green”, sustainable lifestyles, sustainable development, planet protection and many such manifestations have become a phenomenon increasingly evident in our current life” (Sima & Gheorghe, 2014). Businesses have started to be reshaped on the one hand to meet the legislative pressures on the environment, and on the other hand to take advantage of new trends.
The transition to the green economy involves implementing social investment policies and addressing concepts like economic development, green marketing, biodiversity, ecosystems preservation, climate change, health and welfare for the medium and long term. Green buildings, green products, eco-friendly companies - all these words have become increasingly used in recent years. People around the world are striving to keep the Earth healthy by driving hybrid cars or electric cars, using solar and wind energy, recycling.
The green economy is a model of economic development or an economy based on sustainable development and knowledge of the green economy. Karl Burkart (2012) defines green economy as being based on six main areas:
- 1.
Renewable energy (solar, wind etc.);
- 2.
Green Buildings (ex. Construction LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design);
- 3.
Alternative fuels (hybrid electric vehicles etc.);
- 4.
Water management (water treatment systems, rainwater collection, etc.);
- 5.
Waste management (recycling, etc.);
- 6.
Land management.
A 7th category can be identified. This is represented by “green markets”, including green banking and financial investment services; carbon trading etc.