Eco-Efficiency Task Force

Purpose

Eco-Efficiency refers to the delivery of competitively priced goods and services through processes and systems which continuously reduce environmental impact and resource intensity while contributing to social well-being. The purpose of the Eco-Efficiency Task Force is to develop and recommend to the Council a strategy for making eco-efficiency and sustainable development standard business practice in American industry. The Task Force is exploring how changes in economic, regulatory, statutory and other policies will result in a transition to an economy in which the constituents provide for their needs and those of future generations through efficient and environmentally responsible practices.

Method

The Eco-Efficiency Task Force is accomplishing its goals in the following manner:

Update

The Eco-Efficiency Task Force has three work tracks encompassing goals, demonstration projects, and policy options. The work products of these three tracks will be integrated in the form of policy recommendations and submitted to the full Council by March 31, 1995. The Task Force's final report, to be prepared by April 30, 1995, will document the lessons learned, background analysis and demonstration project findings.

Goals

Through a participatory negotiation process, the Eco-Efficiency Task Force identified six goals for submission to the full Council. The Task Force also developed the following vision statement to provide a context for the goals and to better define the ends they are designed to achieve.

The U.S. economy shall produce and use globally competitive goods and services while achieving environmental and social goals. This vision will result in a transition to an economy in which the constituents (e.g., people and businesses) provide for their needs and those of future generations through efficient and environmentally responsible practices.

Policy Clusters

The four policy clusters are organized to address broad, cross-cutting issues and constitute the "HOW TO" component of the Task Force work. Approximately 25 policy papers are being developed that will address information-based, regulatory, incentive, economic, and management policy options to be used to achieve sustainable development.

Demonstration Projects

Six demonstration projects are nearing completion and will provide early conclusions and draft recommendations. The demonstration studies, while presenting the technical findings and analysis, are also closely linked to the policy recommendations and goals work of the Task Force. The demonstrations provide immediate and vivid illustration of the barriers or incentives to accomplishing the Task Force goals. The demonstration projects involve the auto, chemical, and printing/small business industries, as well as four eco-industrial park sites.

Task Force Council Membership

Co-Chairs

Members

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