ECO-EFFICIENCY

ECO-Efficiency



ECO-Efficiency

Introduction

Eco-efficiency is the ratio of the economic value of a product and the manufacturing process on the environment exerted effects, measured in an appropriate unit (Boulanger, 2010, p. 39). The term was coined in 1991 by the Business Council for Sustainable Development (Business Council for Sustainable Development, now the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) introduced into the world economy. The motivation for this was that negative environmental impacts and resource intensity throughout the life cycle (the product) should be reduced to a level that is compatible with the load limit of the earth. Eco-efficiency is achieved when goods and services priced competitively are to satisfy human needs and bring quality of life (Boulanger, 2010, p. 39). The Trade Council for Sustainable Development defines eco-efficiency using the formula:

Eco-efficiency =the Economic value of a product) / (influence or impact on the environment).

This concept calls for the maximization of the value (utility) per unit of “environmental impact". Here, the production process and the use / benefits and the subsequent disposal (for products) in the balance sheet included (from "cradle to grave") (Boulanger, 2010, p. 39). The reduction of material and energy intensity of products and the reduction of pollutant emissions, which together, with the increase in the recycling of products and result in the maximum use of recycled materials with minimal environmental impact. Eco-efficiency is a key figure in the production processes and products to be made more economical. The increase in environmental impact is a positive side effect (Boulanger, 2010, p. 39). Reducing the environmental impact on a wide range of scalar divisor requires the combination of various factors such as carbon dioxide emissions and emissions of heavy metals, which are necessarily arbitrarily chosen as a computational procedure to be performed. The eco-efficiency measure does not make any statement about the key sustainability (sustainability of the ecosystem) (Boulanger, 2010, p. 39).

Discuss eco-efficiency as an approach to reducing energy and resource use. What are the alternatives to this approach?

Eco Efficiency

Many consumers know the feeling: "I want to buy a decent product that has a good quality, good value for money and was produced in an environmentally and socially responsible" (Elliot, 2010, p. 73-78). The choice of such a sustainable product is not always easy. While there are different measuring methods and corresponding certificates, most, however, consider only the ecological aspects, i.e. the effects on climate, soil or water. So that, the certificates are always only a small part on what constitutes sustainability in general. Namely, whether economics and ecology in harmony. Accurately measures the eco-efficiency analysis (Elliot, 2010, p. 73-78).

It is to achieve an optimal state of performance of the company with a focus on environmentally friendly and responsible society. It is the achievement of the production of goods and services at competitive prices that meet human needs improve the quality of life of people consuming fewer resources and generate less pollution (Elliot, 2010, p. 73-78). Eco-efficiency means

Sustainable development, as it seeks to optimize three corresponding objectives: economic growth, social equity ...