strategy
Intensifying existing resource use
Synonyms:
Increasing materials intensityImproving efficiency of resource use
Implementation:
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Claim:
Economic activity is closely tied to consumption of materials. Cutting back on one can only be accomplished by cutting back on the other. However, many other opportunities exist for increasing the productivity of materials and energy use without sacrificing real human welfare. Narrower:
Maximizing waste reuseIncreasing energy intensityMaking easy-to-repair itemsReducing heat loss in buildingsIncreasing product use intensityDeveloping agricultural resourcesEstablishing local recycling centresIncreasing productivity of non-renewable resourcesEnsuring economical usage of natural resources by industry Facilitates:
Developing economicallyReducing materials throughputEnabling poor to achieve sustainable livelihoodReducing adverse atmospheric effects of industrial development Facilitated by:
Researching energy efficiencyExtending producer responsibilityPromoting environmentally sound economic growthPromoting environmentally sound economic growthSupporting use of environmentally sound technologySupporting research and development of environmentally sound technologyUsing renewable energy resources Problems:
Shortage of natural resourcesSubjects:
Fundamental Sciences → MaterialCybernetics → Cybernetics
Economics → Resource utilization
Development → Reform
Type Classification:
C: Cross-sectoral strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
