Resource efficiency and intensity is the capability of maximising the output from available resources while minimising waste – both in industrial (work) and human (private) consumption. It involves using resources in the most optimal way to reduce environmental impact, minimise cost and ensure sustainability. Resource efficiency is about delivering more with less (measured against economic output), while resource intensity is resource measured per person.
In-efficiency in using resources – whether domestic or imported – is a cost factor, affecting the competitiveness and thus wealth of nations. Over-exploitation of existing natural resources also affects the natural capital of the country, i.e. the ability of a country to support its population and economy with the required resources into the future.
Efficient resource use drives cost competitiveness and long-term sustainability
Bottom Line: Should global prices for raw materials and energy rise significantly, countries in the lower ranks will face substantially higher costs and challenges to maintain their growth compared to countries with higher efficiency scores.
Key clusters to measure resource intensity and efficiency
Analysis of energy consumption, usage and efficiency. High energy efficiency is equal to lower overall economic cost affecting competitiveness and vice-versa
Evaluation of water consumption, usage, and water usage efficiency in light of water availability and pollution indicators
Evaluation of the usage of basic materials (construction and consumption materials) and the efficiency of the material consumption
Evaluation of national pollution levels. Pollution affects health of the population and negatively affects infrastructure
Analysis of resource intensity against average personal consumption
Analysis of resource consumption against economic output
A global snapshot of resource efficiency performance and trends
The combined Resource Efficiency/Intensity Index is led by the United Kingdom, followed by Malawi, Sweden, Denmark, and Kenya
Several African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Benin rank among the top 20, highlighting their resource efficiency
When considering the Intensity Index (per capita resource consumption), less developed countries tend to perform better than most industrial economies
In contrast, the Resource Efficiency Index (resource consumption per unit of economic value) is dominated by highly developed economies
Among major economies, Germany is ranked 36th, the United States 93rd, and Japan 109th
China ranks 108th, primarily due to reliance on heavy industries and construction, though showing positive efficiency improvements
Explore how countries compare across resource efficiency indicators
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Discover how Resource Efficiency connects with Natural, Economic, Social, Intellectual, and Governance Capital
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