scope:

The resource efficiency of organisations, products or services can only be assessed if the use of natural resources is quantified and put into a relationship with the generated benefit. Such an assessment is referred to as a resource efficiency analysis according to VDI 4800 Part 1. Quantification is performed with the help of indicators that are used as a set and form the basis for assessment of the use of natural resources.

This standard defines terms of resource efficiency, describes resource categories and gives general calculation rules and principles. It also gives recommendations for the procedures to use in resource efficiency analyses and assessments. A detailed characterisation of individual resource categories and their indicators as well as their calculation is given in additional resource efficiency standards (see Figure 1).

Public disclosure of comparative assertions about resource efficiency is subject to strict rules like e.g. the ones that apply to comparative assertions concerning environmental impacts according to DIN EN ISO 14044. These are not covered in these standards.

Figure 1 shows an overview of the VDI Standards dealing with resource efficiency and the connections between their topics