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2.2 The identification of resource efficiency examples for practical
application
In order to identify examples for practical application with
high potential for resource efficiency, potentially interest-
ing examples for technologies and products were screened
(see figure 5). For the selection process a method mix of two
core areas was chosen: desk research and expert involve-
ment. The desk research included Internet research, analy-
sis and evaluation of literature as well as statements from
stakeholders. As already described in chapter 1.2, the focus
was set on Europe, with additional examples from North
America and Japan. The innovation- and technology anal-
ysis (ITA) was used as a conceptual method (BMBF 2001),
which helped identifying key questions regarding innovation,
action, and future orientation.
The preliminary research results provided the focal points
for the expert interviews and were used for selecting relevant
experts from the application, research and development
fields according to the relevant topics. They were
questioned about resource efficiency in specific fields and
their exemplary application. In addition to the expert interviews,
questionnaires to identify resource efficiency methods
were distributed to research organisations, companies,
and intermediaries in Europe and other selected countries
(especially North America and Japan) worldwide.
Next to gathering general information about potential
examples, the questionnaire aimed at gathering qualitative
and quantitative information on the resource efficiency
potential, economically relevant information (i.e. market
potential), and information on implementing resource efficiency
through an assessment of risks. The questionnaire
was sent to approx. 700 addresses. In response only 25 examples
could be obtained, from which only 16 were relevant
for the Resource Efficiency Atlas. Simultaneously, in
order to obtain examples for the atlas, flyers were actively
distributed during scientific conferences and other professional
events in Germany as well as in Europe or generally
via the website www.wupperinst.org/rea.
To further increase the amount of examples, a “Call for
Posters“ was organised during an international conference
in September 2009 aimed at exchanging resource efficiency
examples. As result four additional examples could be
collected, from which only two were of sufficient relevance
for the Resource Efficiency Atlas. In order to guarantee the
multitude and versatility of examples in the atlas the project
partners researched and prepared additional examples
themselves. Here the coverage of different technological
fields, different technologies, results of the expert interviews,
a review of the European technology platforms and
literature were considered.
Method for gathering examples
for resource efficiency
Production and consumption are the key drivers of global
resource requirements. Therefore, the focus of the Resource
Efficiency Atlas project is not only on research of
technologies, but also on products and broadly applicable
strategies. Based on the previously systemized search fields
and research results the following additional subcategories
were identified (see figure 6).
Selection and description of the examples
The results of the screening process (approx. 350 exam-
ples) were evaluated. Relevant examples (21 cases) were
selected for this publication as well as for the Internet (approx.
90-100 cases). All examples were graded based on
a scale from one to six, where one represented best suitability
for the atlas. This meant, the following criteria were
considered: high potential for resource efficiency, good
informational background, economical relevance, environmental
impact, feasibility and transferability. In order to obtain
an unanimous rating as basis for selection, all project
members conducted the grading, upon which the results
were discussed.
Ressourceneffizienzatlas
Resource Efficiency Atlas 19