Categories of MBIs

There are four main categories of MBIs: first, MBIs using the market; second, MBIs creating the market; third, MBIs using regulations; fourth, MBIs engaging the public.

MBIs - Using the market: The first category of MBIs are mainly fiscal measures, taxes, charges and subsidies, which are familar in every economy. Applicability is also given principally in all systems. However, to make these measures to MBIs in the closer meaning a related market of competing companies, products and services must exist, that good environmental behaviour is awarded financially and a competition asset can be drawn from it and vice versa.

MBIs - Creating the market: The lack of sufficient markets for environmental resources and services is one of the persistent problems of environmental policy in general. To remind it again: No market - no base - no MBIs. To frist create a market, before to use it, is logical and therefore one of the central tasks within the framework of MBIs.

MBIs - Using regulations: MBIs are far away to substitute regulations. On the other hand, many MBIs would not work, if they cannot be based on regulations. But as it is the nature of regulations, additional institutions would be needed to manage them.

MBIs - Engaging the public: The fourth category of MBIs discussed concerns the long-term objective to prepare the stakeholders to understand and to use the MBI system.