Presentation in Expert Forum in Berlin

What is meant by resource efficiency? In future this question will be answered  by a basic directive of the Association of German Engineers (VDI). End of June 2014 this was presented, with the participation of the Federal Ministry of the Environment, to the professional public. " In almost  three years and in 11 meetings we have negotiated with industry, academia and environmental organizations, what is meant by resource efficiency," said Dr. Mario Schmidt. The Pforzheimer Professor is Deputy Chairman of the Policy Committee. The Directive has a great importance for further action in business and politics, to conserve resources, reduce costs and protect the environment. 

Why  a definition is necessary? "Resource efficiency is evaluated generally positive. But everyone understands something different by the term, "therefore, a definition of the term is necessary, Mario Schmidt points out clearly. With resource efficiency, for example, the company primarily wants to reduce costs. "For state and society it is also important to make the use of limited natural resources as efficient as possible," the professor of resource efficiency management stated. 

The often-mentioned proposal to waive resource-intensive production entirely, was "window dressing," says Schmidt. "People consume anyway! In this case the production will be transferred  abroad where it may be  less efficient. "Resource efficiency is a significant opportunity for the company, said the expert. "It promotes the development of innovative products and processes and in the medium term it brings competitive advantages. Therefore, resource efficiency is also a clear commitment to the industry in Germany. "

There are difficulties in the calculation of resource efficiency: companies must not only assess their actions according to the costs of raw materials and semi-finished products, but also need to pay attention to the use of raw materials. But basis therefore is  the knowledge for what that scarce resources are used. The new policy work of the VDI will provide methodological assistance. 

The committee chairman Jürgen Giegrich, Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research elucidated the VDI guideline 4800th to more than 100 experts.  In addition, currently, three other directives are  prepared which will  clarify the details. This includes a policy that specifically applies to small and medium-sized enterprises.