Professional paper

ACHIEVING RESOURCE EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF ENERGY, WATER AND WASTE SECTORS

Lidija Runko Luttenberger ; Komunalac ltd, Jurdani, Hrvatska
Dinko Vujević ; Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb. Varaždin, Croatia
Mario Šiljeg ; Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb. Varaždin, Croatia
Ivana Gudelj ; Hipalab ltd, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Current economic growth and the presently deployed technology result in high entropic cost for the planet. Resource
efficiency considers using the Earth’s limited resources in a sustainable manner while minimising impacts on the environment. Paper
presents the concepts of entropy and circular economy, and elaborates on waste, energy/nutrients and water nexus. Integrating the
energy, water and waste sectors is indispensable for achieving resource efficiency. The Republic of Croatia should endeavour to benefit
from this strategy to conserve its ecosystems and natural capital. Moreover, resource efficiency achievement can generate substantial
benefits which include reduced landfill and carbon emissions, higher rates of re-use and recycling of products and greater job creation.

Keywords

resource efficiency; energy-water-waste nexus; environmental protection; circular economy

Hrčak ID:

141041

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/141041

Publication date:

19.6.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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