What exactly is it? Does it matter? How will it affect my organisation?

The e3 approach is to demystify the issue by examining the threats and opportunities and then addressing those that relate to your organisation. The focus is very much on the inputs and the critical need to deliver resource use and energy efficiencies.

At its simplest, if the consumption of a resource can be eliminated, or reduced, then there is a corresponding reduction in economic costs, waste generation, pollution and the need for legal compliance.

Linear extract → use → dump economics typically has very high inefficiencies and large negative environmental impacts. Understanding these issues and moving away from linear towards cyclical thinking that seeks to capitalise on natural ecological cycles increases resource use efficiency.

Natural cycles typically involve a flow of solar energy, generate no waste as resources are reused, could be considered to be 100% efficient and are, by definition, sustainable. In short sustainability is about “living off the earth’s interest rather than eroding its capital” (e3 quote in the opening chapter of the Governments Sustainability Strategy “Securing the Future” page 15).

As an example:

In applying this approach to the UK’s food cycle e3 has shown the potential for a huge leap in efficiency and a 27% reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions.

If you are reviewing the opportunities and benefits that are to be found with implementing a sustainable or environmental policy, and wish to move toward a more efficient and sustainable future consider the e3 approach - with no obligation call Dave Stanley to discuss your requirements.