Economics of sustainability
Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is an important global concept and vision that can improve life on the planet. It requires sustainable business development and a shift in consumer behaviour, coupled with strong policymaking that supports this vision. The EU-funded project 'Sustainable consumption research exchanges' (SCORE !) aimed to raise consumer awareness on SCP in the agro-food, transport, energy and electronics sectors, which account for 70–80 % of Europe's environmental impact. The project investigated cutting-edge approaches to improving SCP and led to preparing two books on the subject. These covered SCP implementation concepts from a business, design, consumer and system innovation perspective, in addition to providing implementation guidance in the areas of SCP food, mobility and housing. Among the most important project priorities was the establishment of a solid network of SCP practitioners to support exchanges and ensure longevity of related initiatives beyond grants and sponsorships. SCORE ! helped articulate best practices in SCP linked with the vision of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the EU's Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP). The self-supporting research network which emerged from the project is expected to further sustainability with respect to consumption and production considerably.