Eco-efficiency / Resource efficiency
In simple terms, eco-efficiency means doing more with less. The concept of eco-efficiency is internationally recognised as the way business can contribute to the sustainability of our society.
Eco-efficiency is strongly supported by the business community, as it has both economic and environmental benefits. By being eco-efficient, goods and services can be produced with less energy and fewer raw materials, resulting in reduced waste, less pollution and lower costs.
As we face a resource constrained future, it is becoming increasingly important to use resources more efficiently.
The State Government supports and encourages ecologically sustainable development by ensuring its policies include waste and pollution strategies.
For more information, download the Eco-efficiency information sheet (73KB PDF).
Eco-efficiency principles
The application of eco-efficiency principles to a particular business is dependant on industry type and the size of business. Therefore specialist advice should be sought if a business is intending to adopt eco-efficiency principles.
Businesses are advised to engage their staff in the process of eco-efficiency improvements, as poor work practices form a significant proportion of inefficiencies. Consider using a simple environmental assessment tool such as eco-mapping.
Water
To reduce water usage it is necessary to firstly determine the amount of water being used on a property. Water bills show the volume of water used. The water account provides a figure in Kilolitres (KL), which is 1,000L or 220 gallons.
For hints on how to read accounts and meters visit the SA Water site: Understanding your account.
SA Water also offer a Business Water Saver Program, to assist businesses reduce water usage.
Businesses are advised to contact their local Trade Wastes officer to gain specific advice and potential savings in Trade Waste Fees and Charges.
Energy
When considering energy efficiency, look at electricity, gas and fuel use.
For office and commercial businesses, consider how heavy energy devices such as air conditioning, hot water and refrigeration are used. For saving energy with office equipment see the DTEI information sheet - Green Office Guide.
For other industrial users a series of information sheets, including cooking, refrigeration, lighting, air conditioning and general manufacturing, are available from the DTEI website.
This website also provides a basic energy audit summary for electricity and gas/oil appliances.
The Federal Government has more information on building energy efficiency.
Waste
Everything that goes into a rubbish bin has been paid for, not only its purchase cost, but also dispose of the item.
Recycling and reusing waste is good, as it avoids disposal costs. Although it is even better to avoid producing the waste in the first place.
For more information on methods to improve of waste management and reduce waste, visit the links below.
Links
Resource Efficiency Assistance Program – a diagnostic and mentoring program.
Waste Management and Reduction Guide for the retail industry.
National codes of practice for Waste Management.
Just ask Zero Waste explains how to dispose of a range of different waste materials.
Recycling directory showing the locations for disposal of all types of wastes.
This page was last modified 05-11-2008
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