Integrating eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness into the design of sustainable industrial systems in China |
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| Authors: | Guiming Wang Raymond Côté |
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| Institution: | 1. Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Sustainable Development Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou, China jimmy@gig.ac.cn;3. School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Eco-Efficiency Centre, Dalhousie University , Halifax, Canada |
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| Abstract: | As an important tool for environment management, eco-efficiency has been widely applied, but eco-effectiveness has only made progress on eco-design and life cycle management in recent years. Few have attempted to integrate eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness into sustainable industrial systems. In a new framework integrating eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness, both concepts can find unique roles and complement each other in industrial ecosystems to dissolve conflicts between industry and the environment. This article provides a case study of China in which eco-efficiency indicators (energy, water and waste utilisation intensity) have demonstrated great progress in China, but eco-efficiency cannot stop the increasing release of pollutants and their accumulating impact on ecological life-support systems. China must integrate eco-effectiveness and eco-efficiency into concrete sustainable development strategies, questioning whether limited resources are being used correctly. Both eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness are identified as important indicators in the development of sustainable industrial systems. In the framework of sustainable industrial systems, eco-effectiveness must begin to play a more important role. |
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| Keywords: | eco-efficiency eco-effectiveness industrial ecology sustainable industrial system |
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