Definitions for "Eco-efficiency"
Eco-efficiency is reached by the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life cycle, to a level at least in line with the earth's estimated carrying capacity. There are seven elements of eco-efficiency: reducing the material requirements for goods and services; reducing the energy intensity of goods and services; reducing toxic dispersion; enhancing material recyclability; maximizing sustainable use of renewable resources; extending product durability; and increasing the service intensity of goods and services. (Source: World Business Council on Sustainable Development)
is achievable by the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout its life cycle to a level at least in line with the Earth's estimated carrying capacity. It simply means "doing more with less". Eco-efficiency is not the same as sustainability as it incorporates only the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability, not the social aspect. Cleaner production can be a part of eco-efficiency (adapted from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Ecosteps websites).
Producers of goods and services should produce competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and improve quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological degradation and resource intensity throughout the full lifecycle to a level consistent with the sustainability of biodiversity and ecological systems.