Affiliation:
1. University of Aveiro, Portugal
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to analyze the extent to which resource efficiency can be considered an economic opportunity to businesses, and to discuss the benefits and limitations of resource efficiency as perceived by companies. Based on established methodology, the authors performed literature review on benefits and limitations of improving resource efficiency, and opportunities resource efficiency could bring to businesses, and carried out interviews with six SMEs entrepreneurs. Results suggest the need to innovate in production and consumption and call for a more rigorous, science-based approach in decision making, especially when it comes to natural resources. International cooperation is seen as a means to making a transformation to resource-efficient future. The interviews also show that components most appreciated in promoting the efficient use of resources are (actual) financial aid and tax benefits, as well as education for sustainability and resource efficiency.
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