The introduction of Emissions Trading (ET) on 1.1.2005 in Europe represents an institutional innovation and a significant change in the existing framework for many microeconomic activities. Likewise Corporate Sustainability Management proves to be a new challenge and a necessity for future-oriented companies to ensure profitability and competitiveness as well as legitimisation and public reputation. This paper outlines the main characteristics of Corporate Sustainability Management and investigates the impact of ET as a market-based instrument for environmental policy regarding the possibilities for sustainability-oriented management. Potentials for intersection management with the identification of success factors and triple-win situations are pointed out as well as prospects for structural policy and norm-setting activities. Stating the limits of market-based instruments and monetary regulation, it becomes obvious that additional non-economic incentives and ethical behaviour in the form of accepting ‘sustainability responsibility’ are necessary for meeting the demands of sustainability.