Industrial ecology is another name for using resources efficiently as part of good business practices. Energy efficiency and pollution prevention involve the efficient use of resources, which is key to sustainable development and industrial ecology. Companies not only prevent pollution but can also enhance profits by reducing energy and material use. Companies save the direct costs of these resources, as well as reducing disposal costs, avoiding fines, and minimizing bad publicity. In addition, resource efficiency often enhances productivity, streamlines production, and improves workplace conditions.
Companies come out ahead by helping the environment, their employees, and their bottom line.
This site presents a number of examples of projects that have successfully combined energy efficiency and pollution prevention technologies and strategies to enhance the environment, productivity, and the bottom line. The box at right lists types of environmental and business achievements realized in the case studies summarized in this paper. This paper also discusses the role of energy efficiency in preventing pollution and reducing global warming gases, including energy savings potential and economic benefits. This paper also discusses how to make a compelling case to business management by understanding the financial analysis of energy efficiency and pollution prevention. Some believe that protecting the environment will hurt the U.S. economy and put us at a disadvantage with foreign competitors who have less rigorous environmental standards.