Business locations and CO2 reduction: (ir)reversibility of preferences and trends in private decision making

Abstract

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This study is concerned with the preferences of companies in relation to sustainable business locations. To what extent do the implementation and effectiveness of the location and parking policies accord, with the aims at national level? What is the best way of anticipating the preferences for locations and the location choices of firms in the future planning of urban environments where the reduction of CO2 emissions is the aim? Municipalities are hesistant about putting into practice the location policy and strict parking. In operational decisions, they are demand-following instead of prescriptive in their allocation of sites to companies. Companies need accessibility by road for their company to function and also move in the direction of main transport axes and motorways. In general, during the relocation processes the company management looks for a location where future expansion is possible and which is easily accessible. Furthermore, the effects of the location and parking policies on the employees'choice of mode of transportation were examined and firms were interviewed about their relocation decisions. When developing a business location that will emit relatively less CO2 the emphasis should not be on the application of the location and parking policies. "A" locations are mostly appropriate for the establishement of governmental institutes of public services. Sustainable business locations should be made attractive in order to tempt companies to choose them. Providing the possibility to expand in the future and easy access by road can be used to attract companies. The development of Eco-Industrial parks may be more attractive for firms and more effective in reducing CO2 emissions.