"Quantum leaps" for a more sparing use of resources would be possible if the potential of new cross-sectional technologies were consistently utilised and new system solutions could be supported as a result. In particular, information, communication and automation technologies are regarded as new cross-sectional technologies. The newly founded "VDI Centre for Resource Efficiency" commissioned the IZT with a study to assess the opportunities offered by cross-sectional technologies to increase resource efficiency in important fields of application. In addition, measures were to be identified with which the resource efficiency potential could be tapped more quickly.

The question of how resource efficiency can be increased is increasingly preoccupying researchers and politicians. Previous studies have shown considerable resource efficiency potential that led to cost savings and were therefore economically advantageous. However, they also made it clear that their realisation required considerable and targeted efforts on the part of politicians, industry and users. Levers for increasing resource efficiency that had previously received little attention lay in the areas of new cross-sectional technologies, in particular information, communication and automation technology. Their use already reduces the raw material and energy consumption of many products during their manufacture, distribution, use and disposal. The consistent utilisation of their inherent potential could not only incrementally increase the resource productivity of existing products, but also support new system solutions and thus enable "quantum leaps" for a more sparing use of resources (enablers for resource efficiency). This is particularly true where new paradigms in the use of resources are emerging. They can exert a strong creative force that works across various fields of application and triggers self-organisation processes.

This opens up new "windows of opportunity" for more efficient resource utilisation. With this in mind, the newly founded "VDI Centre for Resource Efficiency" commissioned the IZT with a study to assess the potential of cross-sectional technologies to increase resource efficiency in important fields of application. In addition, measures were to be identified with which the resource efficiency potential could be tapped more quickly.