Eco-Efficiency 

In a 1992 publication titled Changing Course, the Business Council for Sustainable Development introduced the term "Eco-Efficiency" to describe a vision for the production of economically valuable goods and services while increasingly reducing the ecological impacts of production.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)--a merger between the Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Industry Council for the Environment--has identified seven critical factors for Eco-Efficiency within the operations of companies:

1. Reduction of the material intensity of goods and services

2. Reduction of the energy intensity of goods and services

3. Rreduction of toxic dispersion

4. Enhancement of material recyclability

5. Maximization of the sustainable use of resources

6. Reduction of material durability

7. Increase the service intensity of goods and services

WBCSD provides business leadership as a catalyst for change towards sustainable development and promotes the attainment of Eco-Efficiency through high standards of environmental and resource management in business. WBCSD is comprised of member companies from 34 nations throughout the world. U.S. representation includes Xerox Corporation, DuPont Corporation, General Motors, and 25 other companies.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
160 route de Florissant, CH1231
Conches-Geneva, Switzerland.
Phone: +41 (22) 839-3100
Fax: +41 (22) 839-3131
E-mail

On-line Articles and Publications

Eco-Efficiency: Creating More Value With Less Impact
This report traces the development of eco-efficiency and explains its key elements. It highlights some of the ways in which eco-efficiency has been interpreted by companies in different sectors.

Measuring Eco-Efficiency
This reports aims to assist companies around the world to measure their progress toward sustainable development by providing a practical framework of indicators. The indicators have been rigorously tested in a year-long pilot program involving 24 companies from 15 countries.

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