Brownfield re-use is considered a fundamental action with which to decrease the demand for land. Before being re-used, contaminated brownfield must be reclaimed so as to attain a level of environmental quality suitable for future use. In this regard, regulatory and economic instruments influence the degree and effectiveness of clean-up interventions. The paper has two aims. The first is to clarify how environmental regulation affects brownfield re-use. The second is to review the principal policy instruments adopted in selected European countries to boost brownfield clean-up and re-use. An overall assessment of existing instruments is given in the conclusions.
Keywords: Brownfields clean-up and reuse, liability, economic incentives
Jel Code: Q24, K32