Eco-efficiency

Eco-efficiency refers to the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life-cycle to a level at least in line with the Earth’s estimated carrying capacity.

Definition

The term eco-efficiency was coined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in 1992, and it was a concept used in a publication for the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The WBCSD has defined eco-efficiency as being achieved by the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life-cycle to a level at least in line with the Earth’s estimated carrying capacity.

Principles

The seven key elements of eco-efficiency are:

1. Reduction in the material intensity of goods or services;
2. Reduction in the energy intensity of goods or services;
3. Reduced dispersion of toxic materials;
4. Improved recyclability;
5. Maximum use of renewable resources;
6. Extension of product durability;
7. Increased service intensity of goods and services.

Implementation

The implementation of eco-efficiency in businesses involves a combination of:

1. Improving existing processes, products and services;
2. Developing and marketing new processes, products and services that are eco-efficient;
3. Influencing customer behavior to use products and services in an eco-efficient way.

Benefits

The benefits of eco-efficiency for businesses include:

1. Cost savings from reduced resource use and waste disposal;
2. Increased competitiveness from improved efficiency and productivity;
3. Improved reputation and brand value;
4. Reduced regulatory and liability risks;
5. Increased ability to attract and retain staff.

Criticisms

Critics of eco-efficiency argue that it is a weak form of sustainability because it does not challenge the growth paradigm of modern economies. They argue that eco-efficiency alone cannot achieve sustainability because it does not address social and economic issues.

See also

• Sustainable development
• Environmental economics
• Green economy
• Resource efficiency

References

Eco-efficiency Resources
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