RES: Resources and Flows (materials, energy, water)

1. Definition and challenges

The “Resources and Flows” pillar concerns how a company uses, consumes and manages its resources on a day-to-day basis: raw materials, energy and water.

This is a highly operational pillar, directly affecting production, logistics and internal operations. Within a circular economy logic, the objective is to reduce consumption, optimise usage and minimise losses, while making the most of existing flows.

For a micro or small-to-medium enterprise, working on this pillar often yields quick results, both environmentally and economically.

Key challenges:

• Reducing resource consumption
• Limiting waste and losses
• Controlling costs related to energy and materials
• Improving operational efficiency

2. What does a good score mean?

A high score indicates that the company has already put practices in place to better manage its resources and flows.

In concrete terms:

• Consumption (energy, water, materials) is monitored and controlled
• Reduction or optimisation actions are in place
• Waste is sorted, reduced or recovered
• The company seeks to minimise losses in its processes
• More sustainable alternatives are used wherever possible

The company has a good understanding of its flows and takes action to optimise them.

3. What does a low score mean?

A low score means that resources are poorly monitored or poorly optimised, often due to a lack of time, tools or visibility.

This may manifest as:

• High consumption of energy, water or materials
• Unidentified losses (waste, overconsumption…)
• Poorly structured waste management
• Higher costs than necessary
• Difficulty identifying areas for improvement

The company may be spending more than it should, without always being aware of it.

4. Priority action areas

1) Identify your main consumption sources

Carry out an initial assessment of the resources used (electricity, water, materials…).

Example: analyse energy bills over 12 months to identify consumption peaks.

2) Implement simple reduction measures

Raise awareness among teams and equip them to limit unnecessary consumption.

Example: switch off equipment on standby, install aerators on taps.

3) Reduce material losses

Identify sources of waste in operations.

Example: adjust production quantities to avoid unsold stock or unnecessary off-cuts.

4) Improve sorting and waste management

Put appropriate solutions in place to sort and recover waste.

Example: install clearly labelled sorting bins and work with a recycling service provider.

5) Optimise internal flows

Reorganise certain processes to limit unnecessary movement or consumption.

Example: consolidate deliveries to reduce journeys.

6) Test leaner alternatives

Gradually replace certain resources with lower-impact options.

Example: switch to a green electricity supplier or use recycled materials.

5. Expected benefits

This pillar is often the one that delivers visible results most quickly.

In the short term:

• Reduction in bills (energy, water, materials)
• Decrease in waste
• Increased awareness among teams

In the medium term:

• Improvement in operational efficiency
• Reduction in waste
• Better cost control

In the long term:

• A more resource-efficient and high-performing company
• Reduced dependence on resources
• Concrete contribution to the ecological transition