Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

What do we
need to change ?
Resource Efficiency
For information on sources of data
used within the Resource Efficiency
goal, please see the evidence base,
part 2 section 6 and statistical annex
62
3.4 Resource Efficiency
Benefiting from a low-carbon,
low-resource economy
Global climate change poses a very real threat to the East of England.
Our low-lying geography, vulnerable coastline and already scarce water
resources make us the region most at threat from climate change and
degradation of ecosystems services in the UK. Following the Stern Report,
climate change has become a central matter of economic policy. As
energy and carbon emissions become constrained, businesses, communities
and individuals contributing to regional economic development must
take resource productivity seriously as a source of competitive advantage.
In response to changing demand, tighter regulation and scarcer natural
resources, the market for environmental goods and services is growing
sharply. The global market was worth $548 billion in 2005 and is expected
to grow by 45 per cent by 2015. This presents a huge opportunity for
sustainable wealth creation, reinforced by the increased focus of
governments on carbon pricing that will impact on all sectors of the
economy in the East of England.
Getting more from less is essential if we want to enjoy improved living
standards in a way that significantly reduces carbon emissions, use of
resources and increases competitiveness. To do so requires large
reductions in the use of energy, fuels, water and other materials such as
packaging, as well as more effective and efficient use of those resources
that are required. We also need to minimise the use of resources in the
manufacture and full life-cycle of products through improved design and
development. Finally, we must de-carbonise and de-centralise our energy
supply, for reasons of both efficiency and security.
What will success look like?
• end-user CO 2 emissions in 2031 that are 60 per cent below 1990 levels
and reduced emissions of other greenhouse gases
• waste arisings per £ million GVA in 2031 that are 37 per cent (143
tonnes) below 2005 levels
• increased recycling rates for household and municipal waste
• per capita consumption of water by households in 2030 that is 20 per
cent below 2008 levels, or 120 litres/head/day (l/h/d)
• an increased share for the region’s businesses of the markets for
environmental goods and services
• growth in the region’s sustainable energy sector with 20 per cent of
electricity demand being generated from renewable sources by 2020
and the region’s lead position being maintained through to 2031
• for the East of England to be a renowned leader in resource efficiency
and climate change adaptation.