Eco-efficient technology

Abstract

The linear, open system of industrial development-'produce/use/throw away'-is unsustainable even if it is restricted to the existing industrialised countries. If an attempt is made to spread it globally, it would not only be environmentally disastrous, it would also have severe economic and social consequences. Since the early 1970's, the Indices of Sustainable Economic Welfare of the UK, the US and Germany have all been in decline despite increases in the GNPs, as the negative effects of growth have exceeded the beneficial effects. The main causes of this unsustainability are described, pointing to the necessity of adopting a circular, closed system of development that is waste and pollution minimising. In such a mode of development, service systems will aim for optimum resource efficiency by using eco-efficient technologies. Guiding concepts for application of eco-efficiency are illustrated, together with an outline of the Lifecycle Inventory method of product, package and integrated waste management.