The report, developed in conjunction with consultancy giant Accenture and due to be discussed at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos this month, argues that investment in more sustainable and efficient business models will deliver net economic benefits and help insulate businesses against the risks posed by worsening material shortages.
Entitled More With Less: Scaling Sustainable Consumption and Resource Efficiency, the report looks at the carbon, steel, and iron sectors operating in major economies and concludes that resource efficiency measures in these three industries alone could save up to $2tr.
"The sustainability agenda is not an abstract development concept," said Sarita Nayyar, head of consumer industries at the World Economic Forum. "There is real economic value at stake. Companies that effectively weave resource efficiency into their core strategy and operations can drive revenue growth, reduce cost and improve brand reputation."