Analysis of the fundamental concepts of resource management

This study gives an overview of the main scientific concepts in the field of resource management both from the perspectives of classical economics and alternative schools. It discusses a number of basic definitions in the context of resource management such as the term “resources”, weak and strong sustainability, ownership regimes etc. The main schools of thought described are: dematerialization (eco-efficiency, factor 4/10), mass flow analysis (MIPS and rucksacks, carrying capacity, ecological footprints), thermodynamics (entropy, exergy), classical and neo-classical resource economics, externality valuation, resource accounting and welfare cost-benefit analysis. Finally, it makes proposals for further research. The study was undertaken to provide the basis for discussion at an expert workshop held on 13 July 2000. Further work on this subject is in the process of being launched. The study was undertaken by GUA (Austria)