Definitions
Eco-efficiency encompasses the idea of economic growth with the conscious use of resources, aiming to reduce costs by the efficient use of materials and energy while providing the needs and desires of the clients. Eco-efficiency can be measured and monitored by indicators, which consider the ratio between the economic benefits and the environmental influence of production and services. It pursues the goal of generating welfare to the population with less negative environmental impacts, incentivizing product innovation through ecodesign, reengineering of processes and by valorizing greener products and services. In this perspective, the eco-efficiency goal is to reach the human needs by using the minimum natural resources, respecting its support capacity.
Introduction
Eco-efficiency has been under discussion for about two decades now. Its application ranges among different sectors and scales, presenting an opportunity for small enterprises, companies, and governments to...
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Simioni, F.J., da Silva, F.A. (2020). Eco-efficiency: Concept, Indicators and Applications. In: Leal Filho, W., Azul, A., Brandli, L., Özuyar, P., Wall, T. (eds) Affordable and Clean Energy. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71057-0_63-1
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