Environmental Quality Standards as a Tool in Environmental Governance — the Case of Sweden

In this article we examine the role of environmental quality standards (EQS) and thresholds as a tool in environmental governance and the strive for sustainable development in Sweden. Such standards, as opposed to emission standards, are a relatively new addition to the environmental policy tools in Sweden. The role of EQS is ultimately to operationalise an approach that is described in Sweden’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development: “The society of the future must be formed within the limits set by nature, environment and human health (...)” (Gov Bill 2003/04:129) The point of departure is thus environmental quality in determining acceptability of development proposals, programmes and plans and industrial projects rather than emissions. Sweden has introduced EQS of different kinds as tools for governance and the effectiveness of different types can thus be examined. Standards, especially the National Environmental Objectives structure with its system of quantified targets is accorded a prominent role in policy.