Natural Resources & Waste

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European policies addressing resource use include waste legislation, product policy based primarily on eco-design, and sustainable consumption and production. Rather than merely dealing with waste once it is generated, such policies are an ongoing attempt to use resources more efficiently from the outset. IEEP continues to increase its portfolio of projects on natural resources, undertaking research into natural resource use, policies for resource efficiency, and promotion of the circular economy.

IEEP uses a broad definition of ‘resources’ that includes land, soils, air, water, biodiversity, raw materials and products. We have a range of experience across a variety of relevant areas, including Agriculture and Land Management, Industrial Pollution and Environmental Governance, and are well-equipped to deal with specific project work in all of these areas. IEEP’s recent work in resource use includes contributing to studies on decoupling the environmental impact of resource use from economic growth, scenarios for EU resource use targets, the EU’s product and organisational ecological footprint methodology, and sustainable consumption tools.

Regarding work in this area, please contact Emma Watkins.

More about our work in this area...

Latest in Resource Use

How can Planetary Boundaries guide environmental policy in Europe and globally?

Planetary Boundaries are a scientific approach to exploring critical thresholds to resource use. How can this concept become relevant for policymakers?
Building a high value bioeconomy in the UK: opportunities from waste

The UK is exploring opportunities to develop a high value bioeconomy based initially on waste. IEEP is helping to identify international best practice examples in order to maximise the environmental and economic benefits of this new Government initiative.
Environmental policy and the UK’s review of the EU Balance of Competences

The UK Government’s Balance of Competences review has now taken evidence on 25 subject areas, including the 6 with the most relevance for the Environment. We take stock of the IEEP’s contributions, and consider what a possible UK renegotiation might mean for the environment.
Systemic approach to adaptation to climate change and renewable energy harnessing (Biomass and Mini-hydro)

Biochar has the potential to both mitigate greenhouse gases, and to act as an adaptation measure in terms of responding to the impacts of climate change. Based on its compatibility with the appropriate soil properties, it could increase the resilience of soil to erosion.
2014-2020 EU Multi-annual Financial Framework: Opportunities and Challenges for Climate Change and the Environment

This presentation analyses the Commission proposals on the 2014-2020 Multi-annual Financial Framework unveiled on 29 June 2011. More specifically, it identifies opportunities and challenges for the financing of climate change and the environment in the future EU budget.
EU Natural Resources policy: Signposts on the roadmap to sustainability

The EU is committed to building improved resource efficiency into its economic strategy, starting with a “roadmap” this year. A new paper from the Institute sets out the challenges, reviews the mixed results of previous EU policy in this area and suggests a number of ways forward. Both a broad vision and an array of practical policy initiatives are required.
Climate and the Budget: EU Member States and stakeholders discuss IEEP study at workshop

More than 70 participants from European governments, the European Commission and other stakeholders gathered in Brussels on 28-29 March 2011 to discuss how the post-2013 EU budget should deal with investment needs in climate change and managing natural resources during a two-day workshop co-organised by IEEP together with the Dutch and Belgian governments.

Highlights

EU Natural Resources policy: Signposts on the roadmap to sustainability

The EU is committed to building improved resource efficiency into its economic strategy, starting with a “roadmap” this year. A new paper from the Institute sets out the challenges, reviews the mixed results of previous EU policy in this area and suggests a number of ways forward. Both a broad vision and an array of practical policy initiatives are required.