The origin and development of the technical efficiency analysis in the economy from an environmental viewpoint

Objective: Determine the technically efficient behavior for any agent in the economy, being responsible for its environmental performance. Methodology: Review of the state of the art of the literature on the analysis of technical efficiency from an environmental perspective. Results: Determine a behavior for an economy and ecological efficiency in order to assume a sustainable development. Limitations: Given the theoretical modelling developed, the main drawbacks are: the non-presence in the predictive models of the cost of the environmental impact, the lack of tools to collect adequately those impacts that are delayed in time and, finally, the limitations to investigate the influence of the uncontrollable natural factors. Practical implications: Action guides for individuals, firms and states to meet their needs with the least impact on the environment. Special attention to supply to decision-makers with an adequate study for the proper design of environmental regulations.