Eco-Efficiency - Becoming an Eco-Efficient Business
What is eco-efficiency?
- Eco-efficiency is a practical and systematic approach to
setting and achieving environmental performance objectives
in business.
- It is a management philosophy which encourages businesses
to become more competitive, more innovative and more
environmentally responsible.
- It means "doing more with less." It’s about creating quality
products and services while reducing resource use, waste and
pollution along the entire value chain.
- It is more than just meeting
environmental regulations. It is not only
about managing waste and pollution after
a business is created, it is about
businesses that prevent and minimize
waste in the first place.
- Eco-efficiency links environmental
performance to financial performance:
more efficient processes save money and
benefit the environment.
Benefits of eco-efficiency for small and medium-sized companies
- Reduced inefficiencies and waste
- Lower operating costs or increased revenue
- Improved quality
- Better customer, staff and supplier relations
- Enhanced business image
- Reduced environmental liabilities
- Improved regulatory compliance
- Continuous improvement of processes and practices
- Improved workplace safety and employee health
- Improved bottom line
- Reduced environmental impact
Seven ways to be a more eco-efficient business
- Reduce the amount of material required in the production of
your goods and services.
- Reduce the amount of energy required in the production and
delivery of your goods and services.
- Reduce toxic emissions.
- Design your products to be recyclable.
- Maximize the use of renewable resources in the production
and delivery of your products and services.
- Design products that are durable and easier to repair.
- Design products that serve multiple purposes and that can be
easily upgraded.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and eco-efficiency
At ACOA, we believe that a healthy environment is essential
to the development of a strong, growing and sustainable
economy. We are committed to protecting the environment of
this region by promoting sustainable businesses and
communities in Atlantic Canada and by setting an example in
the environmental management of ACOA’s own operations.
As part of its project assessment process, ACOA requires that
all projects conform with the environmental guidelines set out
in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Where do you go from here?
There are numerous agencies and organizations available to
help your business become more eco-efficient. Check out the
Tools for Business on this web site.
You can also contact the ACOA office nearest you.
- New Brunswick: 1-800-561-4030
- Prince Edward Island: 1-800-871-2596
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-800-668-1010
- Nova Scotia: 1-800-565-1228
- Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation: 1-800-705-3926
