Status of public policy for material efficiency as a way to reduce GHG emissions

What is it about?

Increasing the efficiency in the use of materials is gaining attention as a necessary element in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supplementing the shift towards renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and carbon sequestration. Despite optimism surrounding the potential for using public policy to advance material efficiency strategies, detailed assessment of the current status of material efficiency policy is very limited. This paper reviews public policy toward material efficiency for homes and cars.

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Photo by Ross Joyner on Unsplash

Photo by Ross Joyner on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Increasing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon sequestration are not likely to be sufficient to slow climate change. Material efficiency and the circular economy are gaining attention as an additional way to reduce carbon emissions. This paper reviews existing public policy toward material efficiency and finds that detailed assessment of the current status of material efficiency policy is very limited. Policy toward material efficiency has historically focused on waste management rather than GHG emissions reduction. Evaluation of existing policies, especially for recycling and related waste strategies, is infrequent. Framing efficient use of materials as a measure primarily intended for climate mitigation is relatively recent and uncommon. Production-related policy opportunities have been neglected because using material efficiency to reduce GHGs is novel in some sectors and because increased material efficiency faces economic and social barriers.

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