Background for Study Visit: Resource Efficiency

Synopsis: Background for Study Visit: Resource Efficiency by Suzie Cave The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of ‘resource efficiency’ promoted by ReNEW. From a Northern Ireland perspective, the Department of the Environment has used resource efficiency to develop its waste management strategy for Northern Ireland. The concept, albeit with some differences in specific definitions, is one which has been used by a number of ‘think tanks’ in their analysis of environmental issues and has become central to the development of waste management law and policy at the EU level. The paper also introduces the related concepts of ‘resource efficiency’ and ‘the circular economy’ and provides an overview of how the promotion and development of resource efficiency and the circular economy is being pioneered through the Resource Innovation Network for European Waste programme (ReNEW).

Session: 2014/2015

Date: 01 December 2014