This report presents a document analysis on the four case studies that build on the InContext project’s WP3. The general purpose is to provide a better understanding on how niches of alternative more sustainable consumption and production practices are created, and how they can later be diffused or mainstreamed.

This case study on green hydropower, conducted by Ecologic Institute, illustrates a novel application of economic policy instruments in European water management. Hydropower in Switzerland accounts for about 59 % of the electricity supply. While hydropower is already considered a green energy, the sector's "green" potential has increased with the introduction of a new label certification scheme. The study is available for download.

A policy mix consisting of regulatory and economic instruments can be very powerful in implementing and enforcing policies to address direct effluent emissions, as illustrated by this case study conducted by Ecologic Institute under WP3 of the FP7 EPI-Water project. In order to reduce point source pollution, several instruments were introduced in Germany throughout the years. The study is available for download.

This case study conducted by Ecologic Institute analyzes the policy mix of economic and regulatory instruments introduced in the German state of Baden-Württemberg in order to address two key water management problems: excessive nitrate concentrations in groundwater and unsustainable water abstraction. Three different policy instruments have been applied: the Regulation on Protected Areas and Compensatory Payments (SchALVO) introduced in 1988 (a regulatory and economic instrument), water abstraction charges, and Market Relief and Cultural Landscape Compensation for farmers (MEKA), a voluntary instrument introduced in 1992. The study is available for download.

A transition to a green economy would create more social well-being and reduce environmental risks. This is the result of an analysis of Socio-economic Benefits of Enhanced Environment Protection in the European Neighbourhood partner countries and the Russian Federation. The Israel country report is available for download.

A transition to a green economy would create more social well-being and reduce environmental risks. This is the result of an analysis for European Neighbourhood Policy countries and the Russian Federation on social and economic benefits of enhanced environmental protection. The occupied Palestinian territory country report is available for download.

Kraemer, R. Andreas; Max Gruenig; Dominic Marcellino 2009: Financial Sustainability of Water and Sanitation in Germany. in: Massarutto, Antonio (ed.): Financial Sustainability of Water and Sanitation Undertakings an Application to Italy, Germany and the US. Milano. 31-53.

Emissions trading systems emerging in the United States offer the opportunity of a future trading link to the European carbon market. While such a link promises more efficient allocation of resources in a larger and more liquid market, differences in the design of trading systems can undermine the effectiveness of the linked trading systems. The study is available for download.

Dworak, Thomas; Maria Berglund; Cornelius Laaser 2007: EU Water saving potential (Part 2 – Case Studies). ENV.D.2/ETU/2007/0001r. Berlin.

Müssner, Rainer; Anna Leipprand; Stephanie Schlegel et al. 2006: Deliverable 5 – CROSS-COMPLIANCE Facilitating the CAP reform: Compliance and competitiveness of European agriculture - Mandatory standards in 7 EU countries and 3 non-EU countries – Germany Country Report. Ecologic – Institute for International and European Environmental Policy, Berlin.

Müssner, Rainer; Anna Leipprand; Stephanie Schlegel et al. 2006: Deliverable 6 – CROSS-COMPLIANCE Facilitating the CAP reform: Compliance and competitiveness of European agriculture – Specific Targeted Research or Innovation Project (STREP) – Integrating and Strengthening the European Research Area – Overview of certification schemes in 7 EU countries and 3 non-EU countries – Germany Country Report. Ecologic – Institute for International and European Environmental Policy, Berlin.

Bausch, Camilla; Benjamin Görlach; Christine Lucha et. al. 2005: Ausstieg aus der Kernenergienutzung und Modernisierung der Stromversorgung am Beispiel Schweden. Berlin.

Kranz, N., E. Interwies, A. Vorwerk, A. von Raggamby. Governance, Institutions and Participation in the Orange-Senqu Basin. Report to NeWater project, Berlin, 2005.

Ecologic Institute supported the Institute for Environmental Systems Research at the University of Osnabrück in conducting a real-time case study in the Elbe basin. The main research focus of this study was the interplay of authorities and the various interest groups. The study is available for download.

Homeyer, Ingmar von 2004: The Revision of the Directive on the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms into the Environment. Institutional Opportunity Structures for Effective Contestation of Policy-Making, EUROPUB research project, Deliverable 2, Case Study. Ecologic, Vienna.