The government is going to a great deal of effort to gain some form of control over the way civilians behave, which is proving very difficult to influence. That is why the authorities need new, effective instruments to drive people to act in a sustainable manner. The NU card scheme is an example of a positive policy tool that promotes sustainable behaviour, and offers several advantages: . The NU card scheme entices people into new (sustainable) behaviour through the use of incentives. .   It can be used for a wide range of purposes. Most civilians can benefit from it, and it covers various areas of policy. .   Subsidy euros that are used for the NU card scheme have a double effect: firstly, by the act of issuing points, for example by rewarding people who turn in separated waste; and secondly, when the points are redeemed, by offering the possibility of using the points earned for public transport. .   The NU card scheme can help increase the cost effectiveness of local authorities. Using the tool can create work-off effects, synergy benefits and lower expenditures. For example, the more civilians separate their own waste, the less it costs the authorities. .   Analysing the NU database, obviously within the stipulations of privacy legislation, generates valuable policy and control information for the government. The response to the specific policy stimuli built into the NU card scheme can be determined accurately, improving the effectiveness of government policy. This possibility was not tested during the demonstration project. Read the full chapter as pdf-file. top