ECO-EFFICIENCY: IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN THE PRIMARY EXTRACTION INDUSTRY
GAVIN HILSON
DOI: 10.2190/KW9M-0ER4-9W3P-96P3
Abstract
This article examines the application of "eco-efficiency" in the primary extraction industry, defined here as mining and allied operations. This concept, which has been popularized by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), has become the subject of important documents, discussions, and conferences in recent years. To facilitate the implementation of eco-efficiency, the WBCDS has crafted a seven-principle framework for businesses keen on doing "more with less." This framework, however, is almost entirely prescriptive for manufacturing and service sector firms, and highly inappropriate for the primary extraction industry. Promoting eco-efficient management in the primary extraction industry requires only partial implementation of the WBCSD framework, as well as the adoption of sector-specific strategies.
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