NEWS

15.10.07
Resource Efficiency and Environment on the agendas of UNEP and OECD in Tokyo

ICMM's John Atherton attended back-to-back meetings on resource efficiency and material flows held in Tokyo on 25 - 27 September. The motivation behind the workshops was to establish common understanding on concepts, definitions, tools, strategies and indicators regarding the efficient use of resources for achieving sustainable consumption and production to benefit both the economy and the environment.

The workshop on resource efficiency and the environment was convened by UNEP as part of its consultation process linked to the establishment of an International Resource Panel. The meeting examined ways of compiling basic information on the environmental impacts and socio-economic importance of key natural resources. From the discussions it was evident that in terms of mass, mineral resources do not feature highly compared to other resources, but in terms of modelled environmental impact per unit mass they are high impact. The high level of uncertainty associated with estimating impacts related to mining is a cause for concern.

This theme continued into the OECD-Japan Seminar on "Material Flows and Resource Productivity: From Knowledge to Policies". The seminar was part of the OECD work program on material flows and resource productivity but also responded to the requirement of G8 countries that the OECD support the development of common approaches and indicators to monitor resource flows. John Atherton participated on behalf of BIAC, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD. He gave two presentations on accounting for recycling and materials stewardship respectively and took part in a panel discussion on 'the way forward' in which he emphasised the benefits of a focus on material eco-efficiency.

The OECD-Japan Seminar discussions will feed into the preparations for the 2008 OECD-UNEP International Conference on Resource Efficiency. The outcomes of the seminar will also be utilised by the Government of Japan in the further formulation of its 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) initiative ahead of the G8 summit in Hokkaido Toyako, Japan in July 2008.

For more information please contact info@icmm.com

News home

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Metals (HERAG)
Read more
Download PDF

RELATED LINKS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Principle 04:

Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science.

© International Council on Mining and Metals 2008. The ICMM logo is a trade mark of the International Council on Mining and Metals. Registered in the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.