'resource-efficient' originates from the combination of 'resource' and 'efficient', where 'resource' refers to a supply of materials or assets, and 'efficient' means achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

'resource-efficient' evolved from the need to describe processes or systems that use resources wisely, especially in the context of environmental sustainability.

Initially, it meant 'using resources wisely', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.