Concurrently, the mounting costs and impacts of air, water, and solid waste pollution are adversely affecting local economies, natural environments and public health. Resource Efficiency is a new approach to these widespread problems. Utilizing innovative management practices and new technologies, Resource Efficiency aims to reduce the demand and the costs for energy, water, and materials within communities. The results are monetary savings which benefit the local economy, reduced environmental impact, and conservation of resources. The terms efficiency and conservation are often used interchangeably, but in fact they have different meanings.
Efficiency means getting the same or better service while using less resources.
Through integrated planning and management for Resource Efficiency, pioneering communities such as Portland, San Jose, and San Francisco have demonstrated tremendous community benefits. This section provides information on community energy efficiency, materials efficiency, water efficiency, and air quality protection to assist your community realize the multiple benefits of Resource Efficiency.