BMU draft of a national resource efficiency programme submitted
Today Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen submitted the draft of a national resource efficiency programme. The objective of the programme is to make German industry less dependent on the use of new raw materials and to reduce environmental pollution associated with the use of resources. "Efficient use of resources strengthens competitiveness, promotes innovation and secures jobs, while also easing the burden on the environment," Minister Röttgen emphasised: "Consumption of natural resources and competition over scarce raw materials is rapidly growing worldwide. Efficient and careful use of natural resources is one of the greatest economic, social and ecological challenges of our time and also a question of responsibility towards future generations. Therefore, I consider resource efficiency to be a key competence of sustainable societies and, at the same time, a crucial competitive advantage."
Germany is very well positioned to become the most resource-efficient economy in the world: it has an innovative economy, leads the way in many efficiency technologies and in closed cycle management, has high environmental standards, and informed and committed citizens. “Made in Germany” has come to be synonymous with efficient use of resources. "My draft of a resource efficiency programme aims to provide the best possible political framework conditions for this," Norbert Röttgen explained.
In its raw materials strategy of 20 October 2010, the German government decided to develop a national resource efficiency programme. The draft by the Federal Environment Ministry, which was preceded by an intensive consultation process involving associations, NGOs and the scientific community, will now be coordinated within the German government.
The text describes the challenge and potential of resources efficiency and for each step of the value chain - from a sustainable supply of raw materials and production, use and consumption to closed cycle management - it lists approaches and specific measures to increase resource efficiency. The numerous existing activities are also drawn together in the document. The programme focuses in particular on market incentives, on information, consulting, education and research, and on intensifying voluntary measures and initiatives in industry and society. Some examples of these measures are efficiency consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises, support for environmental management systems, inclusion of resource efficiency in technical standards and public procurement, increased use of voluntary product labels and certification systems, and further development of closed cycle management.