Resources, Conservation & Recycling

Transformation of the industrial and societal system towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns, including management, instruments, methods and processes of change.

Information and management systems involving resource status, use and material flows in society.

Innovation processes, tools and methods relating to resource productivity improvement.

Technical, societal, economic, business and policy aspects of strategies to improve the sustainability and productivity of resource use, including strategies for managing resource supply and demand, valorizing waste, lowering energy and material intensities and increasing the serviceability of products.

Substitution of primary resources by renewable or regenerative alternatives, including agricultural and forest resources and wastes.

Material flow analysis and the understanding of resource use and flows in society and the impact on the environment, including resource extraction and waste generation.

Life cycle assessment and management of resources, materials and products to improve resource efficiency and productivity, conserve resources and reduce pollution.

Societal, economic and technological change for improved recovery and reuse of materials and energy from domestic, commercial or industrial waste streams.

Efficient management and use of all resources, including air and water, with regard to the qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of resource use.