Inno58h

Towards resource wisdom

Investing in regional resource efficiency increases ecological sustainability, but the benefits also manifest themselves in improved financial and social well-being. Energy efficiency increases, there are lower emissions, the local economy is enhanced and self-sufficiency increases.

 

The decline in natural resources, the growing population and climate change are all factors which are increasingly forcing societies around the world to become ever more efficient and to continue to reduce their emissions. Recycling-based economies, energy efficiency and cooperation between companies to save raw materials become everyday activities. Wiser use of resources is becoming an asset in international competition.

So far, Finland has performed poorly in resource efficiency reviews carried out by the European Environment Agency: compared to other countries, Finland wastes a lot of material. We would need the resources of almost three and a half planet Earths to sustain the Finnish lifestyle. Motiva estimates that just by using raw material more sensibly, companies in Finland could save up to €7 billion.

Resource wisdom must be promoted in Finland, and the flow of resources must be reviewed regionally. In 2013, Sitra will launch this work, and will kick off the "Resource-wise region" project module in Jyväskylä. The goal of the module is to develop a calculation and operating model for regional resource efficiency, which can be applied and replicated in other Finnish cities. The local perspective enables real action.  

The purpose of the project is to promote wiser use of resources and reduce environmental harm, in cooperation with local residents, companies and organisations. In practice, this translates to residents living an ecologically sustainable life, and being able to develop resource-wise operating methods in their residential municipality. Companies will find sustainable success and will become more competitive through synergy between companies. Energy efficiency increases, there are lower emissions, the local economy is enhanced and self-sufficiency increases.

The resource wisdom project will perform several practical tests and pilots. Example themes include renewable local energy, energy saving, staying at the same location through virtual solutions, development of public and pedestrian/cycle traffic, local food, reducing the amount of food waste, local fertilisers, eco-efficiency improvement in public procurement, improving space efficiency, local tourism, and reducing and re-using waste between companies.

Investing in regional resource efficiency increases ecological sustainability, but the benefits also manifest themselves in improved financial and social well-being.


Javier tabernilla