Title page 1

Contents 1

The involvement of government in sustainability initiatives 2

What are the opportunities and challenges for governments in leveraging sustainability initiatives for RBC? 3

How are governments interacting with sustainability initiatives? 4

References 10

Figure 1. Most sustainability initiatives operate without government involvement 5

Figure 2. Government involvement in initiatives has increased over time 5

Figure 3. Governments adopt different approaches to engaging with sustainability initiatives 6

Boxes 2

Box 1. About this brief 2

Box 2. Forest Stewardship Council features in Canadian Government guidance and policy 7

Box 3. The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) is recognised by the European Commission for Conflict Minerals Regulation Compliance 8

Box 4. ENERGY STAR used by US Government agencies in public procurements 9