ISO 14001 and CO2 emissions: An analysis of the contingent role of country features

This study explores whether the association between the aggregate level of ISO 14001 adoption in a country and the reduction of its CO2 emissions differs across national settings. We analyze potential variations in three country features: intensity of competition, inclination of firms to behave ethically, and the importance that firms attach to relationships with stakeholders. Based on a sample of 53 countries for the period 2007-2017, our results show that the connection between the aggregate level of ISO 14001 adoption and lower levels of CO2 emissions is stronger in countries where firms tend to behave ethically but is weaker in countries where there is intense competition or where firms place high emphasis on relationships with stakeholders. These findings expand our understanding about the macrolevel consequences of ISO 14001 adoption.