Resursansvar

Resursansvar, often translated as resource responsibility, is a concept used in Nordic governance and business contexts to denote the obligation to manage and use resources—financial, natural, and human—in a responsible, ethical, and sustainable manner. It emphasizes planning, allocation, usage, and end-of-life handling to secure value while minimizing negative impacts on people and the environment. The idea combines stewardship with accountability across the lifecycle of resources.

The scope of resursansvar encompasses organizations, public authorities, and civil society. It involves clear roles and responsibilities for owners, managers, employees, suppliers, and contractors. Core elements include resource efficiency, lifecycle thinking, waste reduction, circular economy practices, risk management, and transparent reporting. It also covers social aspects such as fair labor practices and community impact, recognizing that responsible resource use extends beyond purely environmental concerns.

Implementation typically requires governance structures, policies, and targets. Tools include resource management plans, supplier standards, and internal controls, as well as training and culture-building efforts. Practical measures involve energy and water efficiency, material optimization, recycling and reuse programs, and responsible procurement. Measurement relies on metrics such as resource productivity, energy intensity, waste diversion, and cost of externalities, often supported by frameworks like life-cycle assessment and sustainability reporting.

Benefits of embracing resursansvar include reduced costs, lower risk, improved resilience, regulatory compliance, and stronger stakeholder trust. Challenges may arise from upfront investments, data gaps, complex supply chains, and balancing short-term pressures with long-term outcomes. The concept remains closely linked to broader frameworks such as sustainability, CSR, ESG, and environmental management systems.