In the context of private sector engagement on the environment, this approach involves focusing on the benefits of improving environmental performance such as increased competitiveness, reduced costs and reduced exposure to risks, rather than environmental benefits per se. Overcoming barriers between relevant departments (e.g. environmental department and private sector development department) within development agencies could facilitate the implementation of interdisciplinary approaches, which use the language of the private sector. In other words, approaches should be rooted in an understanding of how development co-operation providers can better address the barriers that companies face in pursuing market opportunities for green technologies, products and services in developing countries.