Unlocking resource efficiency
Research into industrial resource efficiency: minimising new resource use and maximising recycled, reused, remanufactured and low carbon materials to decarbonise industry.
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Resource efficiency measures can reduce emissions from industrial processes by reducing waste and keeping products and materials in circulation for longer. In the Net Zero Strategy we set out the government ambition to support increased resource efficiency and use of low carbon materials within industry, by driving the transition towards a circular economy model and increasing reuse, repair and remanufacturing.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero commissioned this research to explore the potential for resource efficiency to unlock carbon savings, with the purpose of:
- identifying a comprehensive list of resource efficiency measures for each sector
- identifying current and anticipated drivers and barriers which are affecting improvements in the identified resource efficiency measures in each sector
- producing estimates for the ‘current’, ‘maximum’ and ‘business as usual (BAU)’ levels of efficiency for each of the identified resource efficiency measures in each sector
The project has 2 phases:
- Phase 1: cement and concrete, construction, steel, vehicles
- Phase 2: plastics, chemicals, paper, glass, food and drink, electricals and textiles
The research used a mixed-methods methodology consisting of a literature review for each sector with findings then presented and tested in facilitated workshops with industry and academic experts.
It was carried out in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and undertaken by Eunomia in consortium with WSP and the University of Leeds.
The reports do not include policy recommendations, nor do they represent official government policy.
We will conduct further engagement with stakeholders to inform the next steps for resource efficiency policy and strategy development within government.
Last updated 19 April 2024 + show all updates
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Phase 2 main and technical report, plus reports on plastics, chemicals, paper, glass, food and drink, electricals and textiles published.
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First published.