Resource efficiency involves using our Earth’s limited natural resources in the most effective way and as many times as possible. The resources we speak of relating to resource efficiency include raw materials such as timber, minerals and metals, water and energy sources. There is no universally accepted definition of what resource efficiency is, but a general view is that resource efficiency means using these materials in the most productive and economical way possible, keeping the quantities consumed, and the associated environmental impacts to a minimum.
Resource efficiency geberally covers the following main objectives:
- to minimise resource inputs to products and processes
- to minimise waste and emission outputs from products and services
- to ensure that resources are used to their fullest capacity
This means that resource efficiency should not stop at the factory gate but should be considered over the full life cycles of goods and services, from raw material acquisition, through production and use to end-of-life management [1].
Why is Resource Efficiency Important?
The UK has large reserves of minerals, but many of those which are readily accessible are becoming limited or are declining due to environmental and land use policies as well as technological limitations in accessing mineral and fossil fuel deposits [2]. The extraction of resources has significant environmental and social impacts. For example, many metals and construction minerals are extracted using energy-intensive mining technologies. This can result in large quantities of mining waste, contamination of soil and the destruction of landscapes. Furthermore, raw material extraction contributes to climate change through the use of carbon-intensive production processes. For example, aluminium production consumes large amounts of energy and makes a significant contribution to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, waste disposal, in particular biodegradable waste which is landfilled, contributes significantly to climate change through the emission of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Therefore, by avoiding the need for new extraction and landfill, waste reduction and the use of waste as a secondary raw material offer significant climate change benefits for the UK.
All products sold in our online store are as resource efficient as possible so you can buy with confidence.
References:
[1] EEF, 2009. Resource efficiency – Business benefits from sustainable resource management. Available online at: http://www.barclayscorporate.com/inperspective/downloads/eef-resource-efficiency.pdf
[2] Department for Trade and Industry, 2006. A strategy for materials.
