Factor four

This book is about doing more with less and shows how at least four times as much wealth can be extracted from the resources we use. Rather than allow diminishing resources to curb growth and progress, the authors emphasise more efficient use of resources in ways which can already be achieved, not at a cost, but at a profit. The book contains a wealth of examples of revolutionizing productivity, in the use of energy; from hypercars to low-energy beef; materials, from sub-surface drip irrigation to electronic books, transport and demonstrating how much more could be generated from much less. It explains how markets can be organized and taxes re-based to reward efficiency so wealth can grow while consumption does not. The benefits are enormous: profits will increase, pollution and waste will decrease and the quality of life will improve. Moreover, the benefits will be shared with more people and fewer resources can be employed. For many developing countries the efficiency revolution may offer the only realistic chance of prosperity within a reasonable time span.