Material footprint, bymaterial category (tonnes)(UNEP 2023d; UNEP-IRP n.d.):

• Biomass
• Fossil fuels
• Metal ores
• Non-metallic minerals

Applies to:

• EN_MAT_FTPRTN

This disaggregation aims to track the material footprint by material categories (i.e. biomass, fossil fuels, metal ores, and non-metallic minerals). It is useful for assessing overall trends, the evolution per category of natural resources used and where opportunities lie for a reduction in the extraction and use of the material. This is necessary information for policymakers in addressing the issue of natural resources overuse and targeting appropriate measures to reduce those uses, globally and by end use sectors(UNEP 2023d).

This disaggregation is consistent with the 10YFP(UN 2012).

The assessment of material footprint use by type of material is necessary for tracking the use of resources by type. In particular, for achieving the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. This decoupling is needed to ensure that population growth does not negatively impact the availability of materials in the environment and ensures sustainability for future generations.

The availability of such information is necessary for driving a shift in consumer demand towards more sustainable, circular and durable behaviour.

Proportion of the material footprint accounted for, by trade of materials (%)(UNEP 2023d; UNEP-IRP n.d.):

• Raw Material Equivalents of Imports (RME_IM)
• Raw Material Equivalents of Exports (RME_EX)

Applies to:

• EN_MAT_FTPRTN

The purpose of this disaggregation is to estimate the share of the national material footprint attributable to the materials trade. It gives relevant indications to decision-makers on the level of reliance of one country on the rest of the world, and vice versa, to meet its internal demand for materials and the interventions needed to reduce the material footprint and decouple economic growth and natural resource use by leveraging trade(EEA 2023; OPN n.d.).Interventions can drive the reduction of material use by changing consumption patterns and promoting the circular economy. For instance, decreasing consumption, shifting to goods or services that need less material, enhancing the durability of goods, and fostering recycling(EEA 2023).

This disaggregation is consistent with the 10YFP(UN 2012).

The availability of information related to imports and/or exports of raw materials paints a clear picture of the dependence of countries on each other. It also shows how the environmental impact of the country of origin can be minimized by reducing such dependencies. Although the economy of the country of origin might be affected, promoting circular economy approaches to the country of origin or the country of use conserves the environment and accelerates the shift of those countries to circular economies.

Proportion of the material footprint accounted for, by economic sector according to ISIC rev.4 (%)

Applies to:

• EN_MAT_FTPRTN

This disaggregation provides an understanding about the different needs of raw material per economic sector. The data would equip policymakers with the knowledge to adapt and/or develop policies and interventions needed for reducing the material footprint of certain sectors and decoupling economic growth and natural resource use. It might also lead to innovations focusing on reducing material need for the most material-intensive sectors.

This disaggregation is consistent with the 10YFP(UN 2012).

Measures and interventions to reduce the impact of material-intensive sectors lead to a reduction in natural resources extraction. In addition, this would encourage the use of circular approaches to reduce the reliance on the extraction of materials; increase innovation and reliance on recycling or reuse of existing materials within the economy; and accelerate the shift of countries to circular economies.