Are we consuming less to produce more? A case study towards sustainability of natural resources

By : Mohit Kumar Kolay

Page No: 251-260

Abstract
The present paper examines, through productivity measures, whether the growth rate in consumption of natural resources is lower than the growth rate in output to assure their decoupling towards sustainability goal in the realm of natural resource accounting. Three factors, viz, the rate of consumption of i) iron ore, ii) energy, and iii) emission rate of carbon dioxide are considered here for two Indian steel companies for assessing natural factor productivity. The derived figure when combined with manpower productivity reflects the total factor productivity. This, in turn, is viewed in relation to the technology deployed to reflect their overall productivity achievements. Results show each factor—productivity, total, and overall productivity—of both companies are on an appreciating track, clearly confirming the sustainability of natural resources consumed.

Author :
Mohit Kumar Kolay : Professor, Visiting, Techno India University, Kolkata.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2020.61.03.1