resourceuse

Resourceuse is a broad term describing the consumption and utilization of resources by individuals, households, firms, and governments. It encompasses natural resources such as energy, minerals, water, and land; human resources such as labor and knowledge; and produced resources such as capital and infrastructure. The term is used in sustainability discussions to analyze how resource consumption relates to economic activity, environmental impacts, and social well-being.

Measuring resource use involves several indicators. Domestic material consumption (DMC) and total material requirement quantify the material inputs used by an economy. The material footprint, energy use intensity, water footprint, and life cycle assessment provide footprints and impacts across stages. Resource productivity and decoupling measures track whether economies can grow while reducing resource inputs.

Drivers include population growth, economic development, technological change, and consumption patterns. Urbanization, globalization, and policy settings influence resource use. Shocks such as price volatility or supply disruptions can affect resource availability and investment in efficiency.

Implications and strategies: reducing resource use often aims at efficiency, recovery, and switching to renewable resources. Circular economy approaches emphasize reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. Substitution, product design, and durable goods reduce material demand. Addressing resource use also involves governance and risk management in supply chains.

Policy levers include efficiency standards, pricing reforms (including taxes and subsidies), extended producer responsibility, public procurement, and investments in infrastructure and data systems. International cooperation and transparent reporting help manage cross-border resource flows and environmental impacts. Critiques focus on rebound effects and data limitations.