Systems that can tap the most energy sources and that can maximize the flow of energy to do the most useful work will survive and expand over or outcompete other systems. Developed systems have an inherent tendency to grow beyond optimum size and at the expense of natural systems. Effective systems maximize energy returns on energy investments over the short run, diversify energy returns over the long run. Successful systems store energy, but at some cost. Some energy must be spent on new alternatives for the system so that it can evolve as the context changes.
Green plants concentrate energy.
Information is energy. Ideas are a highly concentrated form of energy. In managerial energetics, the emphasis must be on net, not gross energy. Maximum energetic efficiency in nature is not usually desirable as the living environment for people. Energy is so readily lost.